Columbus Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman for the 2025-26 season, the league announced Tuesday.
Werenski, who registered 81 points in 75 games, beat out Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres to earn the award for the first time in his career.
He was surprised with the honor at a family get-together.
Zach Werenski thought this was just a regular family BBQ, but he was in for quite a surprise! 🎉
— NHL (@NHL) June 2, 2026
His whole family was on hand to celebrate the first James Norris Memorial Trophy of his career! #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/Rqr8iUP4Tp
Werenski earned 113 first-place votes to capture the award. He was the Norris Trophy runner-up last season while also finishing seventh in Hart Trophy voting.
The 28-year-old finished this season tied for third in goals by a blue-liner (22), fourth in assists (59), and second in points. He led all rearguards in shots (260) and was second in average ice time (26:37) for a Blue Jackets squad that fell short of qualifying for the playoffs.
Werenski also won an Olympic gold medal with the United States in February.
