Zach Werenski

Zachary Kenneth Werenski is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman and alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted eighth overall by Columbus in the 2015 NHL entry draft, Werenski has become one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. In 2026, he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman. Werenski was co-recipient in June 2026 of the Excellence in Sports Award from the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in Troy, Michigan.