Zach Werenski Wins 2026 Norris Trophy, First for Blue Jackets

3 articles · Updated · Detroit Free Press · Jun 2

Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski captured the 2026 Norris Trophy, beating Cale Makar and Rasmus Dahlin for the NHL's top defenseman honor.
81 points in 75 games powered Werenski's case after he finished runner-up in 2025; the 10-year Blue Jacket posted 22 goals and 59 assists.
Moritz Seider placed fifth in the voting with five first-place and 21 second-place votes, the highest Norris finish by a Red Wing since Nicklas Lidstrom was fifth in 2012.
Werenski, a Grosse Pointe native and Michigan product, became the first Columbus player to win the award, adding a hometown angle for Detroit-area fans.

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Did voters award the Norris to the best defenseman or simply the most valuable one?

How will this win on a non-playoff team redefine the criteria for future Norris Trophy contenders?