Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski wins the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman

Jun 2, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman, the league announced Tuesday.

Werenski was second in points at the position with 81 on 22 goals and 59 assists. It’s the first time he has won the award in his career.

The 28-year-old was first on 113 ballots in voting by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Colorado’s Cale Makar was second, Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin third and Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard fourth.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Players Mentioned

Zach Werenski

Cale Makar

Evan Bouchard

Rasmus Dahlin

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NHL 2025-26 Leaders

Playoffs Goals Leaders

14

Howden

11

Stankoven

10

Marner

Playoffs Assists Leaders

19

Marner

18

Eichel

13

Hutson

Playoffs Points Leaders

29

Marner

20

Eichel

18

Blake

Playoffs Hits Leaders

101

Barbashev

96

Smith

83

Carrier

Playoffs Blocks Leaders

55

Theodore

52

Carrier

45

Matheson

Playoffs Wins Leaders

14

Hart

13

Andersen

9

Dobes

Playoffs Goals Against Leaders

1.52

Silovs

1.89

Andersen

2.03

Ullmark

Playoffs Save Percentage Leaders

1.000

Korpisalo

.939

Silovs

.932

Ullmark

NHL 2025-26 Rankings

Playoffs Goals Rankings

3.73

3.70

3.50

Playoffs Goals Against Rankings

2.18

2.29

2.40

Playoffs Power Play Rankings

40.0

31.6

28.6

Playoffs Penalty Kill Rankings

95.8

92.3

90.9

NHL 2025-26 Betting

Best Record ATS

57-31

58-34

49-33

48-34

59-42

Worst Record ATS

30-52

32-54

34-54

32-50

41-58

34-48

NHL 2025-26 Standings

Central Division	W	L	OTL	PTS	DIFF
Avalanche - p	55	16	11	121	99
Stars - x	50	20	12	112	53
Wild - x	46	24	12	104	32
Mammoth - x	43	33	6	92	28
Blues - e	37	33	12	86	-27
Predators - e	38	34	10	86	-22
Jets - e	35	35	12	82	-29
Blackhawks - e	29	39	14	72	-62
Pacific Division	W	L	OTL	PTS	DIFF
Golden Knights - y	39	26	17	95	15
Oilers - x	41	30	11	93	13
Ducks - x	43	33	6	92	-15
Kings - x	35	27	20	90	-22
Sharks - e	39	35	8	86	-41
Kraken - e	34	37	11	79	-37
Flames - e	34	39	9	77	-47
Canucks - e	25	49	8	58	-100

Atlantic Division	W	L	OTL	PTS	DIFF
Sabres - y	50	23	9	109	47
Lightning - x	50	26	6	106	59
Canadiens - x	48	24	10	106	27
Bruins - x	45	27	10	100	22
Senators - x	44	27	11	99	32
Red Wings - e	41	31	10	92	-17
Panthers - e	40	38	4	84	-25
Maple Leafs - e	32	36	14	78	-46
Metropolitan Division	W	L	OTL	PTS	DIFF
Hurricanes - z	53	22	7	113	56
Penguins - x	41	25	16	98	25
Flyers - x	43	27	12	98	7
Capitals - e	43	30	9	95	19
Blue Jackets - e	40	30	12	92	0
Islanders - e	43	34	5	91	-8
Devils - e	42	37	3	87	-24
Rangers - e	34	39	9	77	-12