Latest news with #ZachWerenski
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'I forgot how much fun winning was": Zach Werenski sets his sights higher with Columbus Blue Jackets following breakout season
Zach Werenski's hunger for winning has reached a new level after a year filled with personal milestones and international glory. Following his best NHL season to date with the Columbus Blue Jackets and a gold medal performance at the 2025 IIHF World Championship with Team USA, Zach Werenski isn't just looking for accolades—he wants to bring a Stanley Cup run to Columbus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now International success drives Zach Werenski's push for a playoff breakthrough in Columbus Winning fever struck close to home for Zach Werenski in two poignant moments this off-season. The 27-year-old was at the center of a surprising Blue Jackets season that had the team one victory from a playoff spot. But instead of dwelling on how close they got, Werenski's focus already is on what comes next—and just how much higher the team can reach. 'I forgot how much fun winning was,' said Werenski. 'I won the Calder (Cup) when I first signed out of college (with AHL Cleveland in 2016), but I didn't really understand then what it meant to win and how hard it was." Zach Werenski All 23 Goals 2024 2025 That pang was compounded when he saw his old teammates Sergei Bobrovsky and Seth Jones hoist the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. It was Florida's second consecutive championship and third year in a row to appear in the Finals—a streak that caused Werenski to think about what it would take to do something similar in Columbus. The Blue Jackets' 2024–25 season was a major step forward. Werenski posted career highs across the board—23 goals, 59 assists, and 82 points—and earned top-three Norris Trophy consideration. He finished seventh in Hart Trophy voting and served as the team's emotional and tactical anchor. Top Plays: Zach Werenski | 2025 #MensWorlds Still, there are questions. Can this young core develop into a tested contender? Is the defense, outside of Werenski, deep enough? Will the goaltending be consistent? Werenski feels the answers are in the culture they've established. Now back in offseason training mode—and in July, he has a wedding to attend—Zach Werenski is already looking ahead to Team USA's Olympic camp next month and, more significantly, a bigger year in Columbus. Also read: For the Columbus Blue Jackets and their foundation defenseman, the next move isn't merely getting into the playoffs—it's constructing a roster that can at last pursue the Cup.
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
After reaching NHL elite status, Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski craves winning even more
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As if missing the Stanley Cup playoffs by one win wasn't tantalizing enough, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has had two moments since the end of the season that have intensified his desire to play for a contender in Columbus. The first pangs struck in late May, when Werenski and the United States won the gold medal at the IIHF World Championship in Stockholm, Sweden, the first gold for Team USA since 1933. Advertisement 'I forgot how much fun winning was,' said Werenski, who was named the tournament's top defenseman. 'I won the Calder (Cup) when I first signed out of college (with AHL Cleveland in 2016), but I didn't really understand then what it meant to win and how hard it was. 'After Worlds, I texted some people who are close to me. I think this is verbatim: 'I love winning and I want more of it.'' The second instance was earlier this week, as he watched the Florida Panthers hoist the Stanley Cup for a second straight year. That included his former teammates, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and defenseman Seth Jones, as well as Panthers GM Bill Zito, who worked previously in the Blue Jackets front office. Jones, who once partnered with Werenski on the Blue Jackets' top pair, was traded from Chicago to Florida in early March. He was the third player to hold the Cup in the on-ice celebration after Florida captain Aleksander Barkov and veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt. 'I'm really happy for Jonesy,' Werenski said. 'With his situation in Chicago, it obviously wasn't the best with what was going on there. For him to get a fresh start and be reunited with Billy and Bob and be part of that team in Florida, it's awesome. 'And, in a way, you wish that was you. I texted (Jones) after (Tuesday's Game 6), just saying how much he deserved it. But that adds more motivation, right? You want to be in that position after seeing one of your friends there. It was the same with Savvy (David Savard) when we traded him to Tampa Bay (2021). 'You're so happy for him, but deep down you're like, 'F—, I kinda want that to be me.'' Werenski is coming off the best season of his career. He set multiple personal and franchise records, finishing with 23 goals, 59 assists and 82 points in 81 games. He finished second in voting for the Norris Trophy and seventh in voting for the Hart Trophy. The 27-year-old was a driving force for a Blue Jackets club that became one of the best stories in the NHL. Columbus was expected to be a lottery team, but instead was the league's last club to be eliminated from the playoffs, making a 23-point improvement from 2023-24. Advertisement He was also Team USA's leading scorer and a standout player at the 4 Nations Face-off. But Werenski said he hasn't taken much time to look back on the season. After a short break, he changed his mind and decided to play for Team USA in the World Championships, then stayed in Europe to take a pre-marriage honeymoon — he and his fiancée are marrying in July — so that he'd have time to train and prepare for training camp. 'I'm more motivated now than ever,' Werenski said. 'I'm back in offseason mode, and I really haven't had much time to think about our season, and I don't think I will. 'The one thing that stood out to me, watching (Tuesday's Game 6) was how much fun Florida was having, that atmosphere. That's the next step. It's great to have some individual success, but … ' As he watched Florida play during the last two postseasons, Werenski said, he couldn't help but wonder what the Blue Jackets needed to do to reach that standard. The Jackets are a very young team, but will those young players mature into the rugged, battle-tested players that the Panthers have up and down their lineup? GM Don Waddell wants to make bold moves to move the Blue Jackets forward, but will he be able to land the right pieces like Zito has in Florida? 'You definitely think about it,' Werenski said. 'That's the standard, right? They've been to three Finals in a row, won two Cups in a row. Their core is pretty much staying together. They're the team to beat again next year, and so you have to think about that. 'We have to get (to the playoffs) first, but if we do get there, these are the teams we have to go through. I would assume every GM, coach and player, top to bottom, thinks that way: Can we beat this team? Are we built good enough to beat this team?' It might have sounded ridiculous to ask that question one year ago. It's still a reach, but the Blue Jackets had several of their young players bloom dramatically last season. Adam Fantilli, 20, and Kirill Marchenko, 24, each had 31 goals. Kent Johnson, 22, was third on the team in goals (24) and tied for third in points (57). Advertisement Waddell had the second-most cap space in the NHL ($40 million) and two first-round draft picks to use as trade chips, so there's a chance the Blue Jackets' lineup will be bolstered by this time next month. There is still a ton of work to do in Columbus, but one could argue that the future — if Waddell can keep this group together — has never been brighter with the Blue Jackets. Werenski said he started skating earlier this week. He'll skate three times a week until August, then ramp up to four days a week until September. In late August, he'll head to Plymouth, Mich., for Team USA summer Olympic camp, with the expectation that he'll play for the red, white and blue in Italy next winter. For the next couple of weeks, he'll help put the finishing touches on the wedding plans while watching closer as Waddell makes his roster moves. A few players are certain to leave via free agency, but Waddell is intent on making upgrades, too. Werenski's not in full-blown hockey mode just yet. The offseason is important, too. But he's begun to look forward to next season, and there's optimism in his gaze. 'We have the culture in place,' Werenski said. 'I know we've said that for years, that we have a great group, and we did. But I don't think we had the culture like we did this past season. It was obvious in how we played, how we handled ourselves, how hard we competed. We truly have that now. 'You don't lose that togetherness in three months. We'll build off it next season. But I don't think we're going to have any issues in training camp with guys understanding their roles, or understanding the expectations, or how we have to play. 'Last year was a great year for us, but we fell short of the playoffs. Next season, the expectations are going to be higher.'
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Blue Jackets mailbag, part 2: Merzlikins' future, a possible AHL wave, offer sheets
Nobody expected the Columbus Blue Jackets to be competitive this season, so most watched them challenge for a playoff spot this spring — they were the last team to be eliminated — and counted it at a good sign that a bright future looms. They have veteran building blocks and a cadre of young players who are already impact NHL players. Now, it's on GM Don Waddell, the coaches and players to get over the hurdle. Nobody will count next season as a success if they don't make the playoffs. Advertisement We asked late last week for your questions, and you did not disappoint. We answered a bunch on Tuesday. We emptied the mailbag today. The topics are meaty, too. All eyes are on the Blue Jackets' goaltending position, which has been a sore spot for the past three or four seasons. What becomes of Elvis Merzlikins? Is Jet ready for takeoff? Who's next if they need a veteran goalie? But it didn't stop there. Enjoy these, and thanks again for taking part. (Some questions have been lightly edited for style and clarity.) Are the Blue Jackets a goalie away from making the playoffs? Or did we overachieve last year? — Andy J. This is a good question to get us started. There are many ways to go with this. Let me take the second part first. They were better than anybody expected, but I'm not sure they overachieved. There were some (so far) career-best years in there, sure, but nothing that feels as if it can't be replicated. Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, Sean Monahan … that's a pretty good skill nucleus. And they're all either young or in their primes. To me, it feels like the start of something, not the pinnacle. To the first part … they likely would have made the playoffs with even slightly better goaltending, but as we've noted many times, it's probably unfair to pin their defensive woes entirely on that position. (I do think they need to change up the net, though.) But are they guaranteed a postseason berth with better goalie play? I would think not. The Eastern Conference is probably going to be tougher next season. Each year is its own animal. Further, the Blue Jackets want to improve at more spots than in goal, because the goal isn't to just make the playoffs. It's to do something once you're there. How realistic are buyouts? And do you know if Waddell ever did this in Carolina? — Ryan C. I know what's been said by Waddell. But I find it hard to believe that a contract buyout actually is off the table, especially for Merzlikins. A buyout is not ideal, of course. They'd have to spread out two-thirds of his remaining salary (both years) over the next four seasons, or about $7.5 million total. The worst hit would come in 2026-27, when they'd owe him $2.8 million. But it might be the only remedy. If this is a consideration, Waddell is wise to not air that publicly. You may as well exhaust your efforts to trade him — even with salary retained — because buyouts are a last resort. I haven't even asked about a Damon Severson contract buyout, because there is no way they'd sign up to pay a player over the next 12 seasons. That's Bobby Bonilla territory. Advertisement Merzlikins (and half of his remaining salary retained) and one of the first-round picks (No. 14 or No. 20) to Boston for Jeremy Swayman. Who says no? — Timothy N. Boston, and quickly. It wasn't a great season for the Bruins or Swayman, and I'm not saying they won't trade him at some point. But for a mid-round pick and Merzlikins? Can't see it even being a consideration, even if the Blue Jackets eat a portion of his contract. Jet Greaves has spent most of his time in the AHL, despite a few successful call-ups to the NHL. Seems like there's some question with the Blue Jackets about him having sustained success. What gives? — Scott K. Broad answer: what you're seeing is a prospective NHL goaltender being developed the right way, with guidance and patience. He's spent four years in the AHL and he's only 24 years old. He's also come a long way in that time with his patience and positioning, which is what you want to see. It takes undrafted players longer to have an NHL job carved out for them. It takes 6-foot goalies a while longer to earn trust, too. He has a one-way NHL contract for 2025-26, so he's here now. He's a great story, eh? Recognizing that Daniil Tarasov has been inconsistent, how did he become persona non grata this season? Was it strictly his play or is there more to the story? — Clem B. Clearly he did not have the trust of Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason, and I don't think his refusal early in the season to accept a conditioning assignment in AHL Cleveland helped. Neither did Tarasov's struggles, which led them to consider sending him down for a tune-up. It's fair to question Evason's handling of the goaltenders this year. He wasn't around the previous season, obviously, but those who were watching then saw a long stretch when Tarasov played quite well. That kind of opportunity never found him this season. Not saying he would have replicated that, but there were times when it sure felt as if Merzlikins needed a rest. What would you do to overhaul the goalie situation? — Jack H. Excuse me, but I'd rather sit back and judge the moves of others. So … I'd either trade Merzlikins in the manner that Patrik Laine was traded last summer — best offer gets him — or I'd buy out the contract. I've always believed that there is a talented goaltender in there, but a change of scenery is needed both for the player and the club, at this point. I'd qualify Tarasov and try to get him through to AHL Cleveland at the end of training camp. If he gets claimed off waivers, that's a risk I'm willing to take. Greaves comes to camp as a lock to be at least the backup to a veteran goalie, but with a chance to make it a timeshare if his play demands it. Now, this is where it gets tricky. Vitek Vanecek? Jake Allen? Dan Vladar? Alexandar Georgiev? Ilya Samsonov? I would ask goaltending coach Nik Backstrom to make a list of the top UFA candidates and join the marketplace on July 1. If there's not a huge difference between No. 1 through No. 5, I'd wait out the first few days to see if I could get a guy on a two- or three-year deal. That veteran and Greaves would be the 1-2 punch. Keep in mind, they also need an AHL one and two. I'd make sure (or try to) that the anticipated No. 1 in Cleveland has NHL experience. Advertisement What will be the biggest challenge next season? The team was so bonded last season and now there will be new faces on the team. — Julieta H. Every year is a new challenge, but this is no longer a dressing room without a culture or a foundation, so there may be more carryover in that respect than we're used to. With players such as Boone Jenner, Zach Werenski, Sean Monahan, Erik Gudbranson, Cole Sillinger and Adam Fantilli, the room has a cluster of leaders both young and old. There's a way things are done with this group. They call it a standard. New players find their place within that, which is much healthier than expecting new guys to be the ones who establish that. Last year was special, and that team really did become incredibly close, by their own admission. But the bond they established last season can only benefit them in the future, in my opinion. How do the young forwards in the system impact offseason plans? Specifically, Luca Del Bel Belluz. Is he viewed as an NHL player next season? — Marshall S. If Del Bel Belluz makes the same strides this summer as he made last offseason, he'll definitely give them something to think about in training camp. If his play dictates it, he'll be a Blue Jacket. But I don't think he comes to camp with a lineup spot to lose, and that may be different than it's been during previous stretches with this organization. If he comes to camp and earns a spot, he earns a spot. But he'll have to take that job from somebody else, either a player who is here now or one who will be added in the next few weeks. I would not count out Del Bel Belluz, however. I'm not sure what type of player he'll be in the NHL, but he seems destined and driven to get there and stick. He's a very interesting player to keep an eye on over the next couple of seasons. How does he shape his game to find a niche on this club? Is Waddell known for giving young players an NHL chances, or is he more likely to trade young players for veterans? Thinking of Del Bel Belluz, Pyyhtiä, Brindley, Lindstrom, etc. — Dave E. There's not a GM in the NHL who is opposed to young players making the roster. It's the lifeblood of a healthy organization. It's also fiscally necessary in the salary-cap era. But the word you used — 'giving' — is not going to happen. It can't be that way for a competitive NHL franchise. Lindstrom is probably at least a year away from being an NHL regular, but we might see him at the end of this coming season when Michigan State's season ends. The others you mentioned are already pros and will have to take a job to get a job. That's how it works. There are lots of good RFAs this summer. Are you hearing any whispers of an offer sheet? — Ryan L. Whispers, eh? No whispers, just Waddell acknowledging that it is a tool GMs can use to acquire players. The taboo around offer sheets is now officially gone, I'd say, especially with the success St. Louis had last summer. It can be an expensive way to do business. There is much to consider here, however. The Blue Jackets do not have their second-round pick in 2026. It was sent to Montreal as a sweetener to get them to take full freight on Laine's contract. In order to sign an RFA to an offer sheet, you must have the draft-pick compensation to pay his current team if they choose not to match. And to be clear, it has to be your second-round pick, not just any second-round pick. Unless the Jackets reacquired that pick from the Canadiens, they could not sign a player to an offer sheet that includes a salary of between $7.02 million and $11.7 million. They could go over that range or under it, but not in that range. Puckpedia has a nifty display of all the price levels and compensation. One last thought: Matthew Knies would be a hell of a fit in Columbus, wouldn't he? Will Adam Fantilli be signed to a bridge deal or a long-term deal — or will they look at an eight-year deal? — Greg M. Don't know about eight years, but I'm guessing Waddell would be willing to go long-term with Fantilli, yes. My only hesitation in saying yes to eight years is that the player might be wise to see how high the salary cap goes — and where his game goes — before locking in long-term after his first full season. Thirty goals at 20 years old projects to one heck of a player. Ten-digit guy, right? We'll see where it goes and what makes sense to each party, but I would say, yes, there is a willingness on the part of the club to go long-term. The organization moved on from some long-term employees this summer. What prompted these changes and why so many changes in so many different areas? — Courtney W. We sort of knew when Waddell took over that changes were coming. Some happened right away, and others took time. New eyes make for new ideas. I don't get the sense that Waddell is bringing in guys from his previous stops. But it's pretty clear he wanted a new air about the building. Fair or not, that's his call. It is tough for many to see people who have been with the organization from the start get moved along. It's a tough business. I've talked to a couple who said that they feel fortunate to have lasted as long as they did. Good people. Advertisement Are there any players named Luca worth drafting this year? I feel like we need to make it four years in a row, even if it's a seventh-round reach. — Todd G. Luca Romano, a right-shot center from Kitchener of the Ontario Hockey League. Could see him going in the third round (No. 77 overall) or the fourth (No. 109). Book it. Do you get the sense that Waddell and the amateur scouts are kicking themselves for passing on Ivan Demidov? — Matthew A. Why specifically Demidov? My sense is the Blue Jackets are feeling much better about Lindstrom after he was able to get in some games at the end of this season without feeling any issues with his back. He'll take part in development camp and then have a crucial year at Michigan State. We're still years away from being able to evaluate this draft. Given Aaron Ekblad's heavy usage, physical style and injury history, is that someone we really want to hand a long-term contract? — Jeffrey B. If you want to sign him as a free agent, it is. I'll be very interested to see how Florida handles its business, with so little time between the end of the Stanley Cup Final and the start of the silly season. It's unclear if Ekblad will even be available. He's a lifelong Panther, so we'll see. But he will be in high demand if he hits the market. Heck of a player. Could you project Boone Jenner's role next year? On a contender, I think Boone Is a third-line winger. Do you think we'll have enough depth to make that make sense? — Peter S. Good question. Probably not one that's going to have a definitive answer, even after the summer moves are made, because this game is so fluid. It will be hard for the Blue Jackets to keep Jenner in a strictly third-line capacity until somebody else joins the club who is a really good faceoff guy and an absolutely gladiator for pucks along the wall. Monahan is strong on faceoffs. Jenner is strong. Everybody else is a work in progress. One thing to look for this summer is that the Blue Jackets want a right-shot center who can help them with faceoffs on that side of the ice. Even if the Jackets add a top-six winger, I'd be reluctant to say that Jenner is a third-line guy. In part because teams tend think more in terms of top-nine now, and the mix of skill on the top three lines can be, for some guys, interchangeable. If there's an injury at center, Jenner could go back there, too. It's hard for coaches to keep a competitive player such as Jenner confined to a role playing just 12 to 14 minutes a game. (Photo of Elvis Merzlikins: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)
National Post
11-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar wins second Norris Trophy as NHL's top defenceman
Cale Makar capped another banner NHL season with the award that goes to the league's top defenceman. Article content The Colorado Avalanche blueliner claimed the James Norris Trophy for the 2024-25 campaign after also earning it in 2022. Article content Article content The 26-year-old from Calgary has been nominated for the Norris five times in his first six years in the league. Article content Makar was the overwhelming choice of Professional Hockey Writers Association voters this year with 176 first-place votes among 191 cast. Article content Article content His 1,861 voting points beat out runner-up Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets (1,266) and last year's winner Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks (918). Article content With 30 goals and 62 assists, Makar set an Avalanche record for points by a defenceman. He became the fifth defenceman all-time in the NHL to post back-to-back 90-point seasons and the first since Paul Coffey and Al MacInnis in 1989-90 and 1990-91. Article content Article content The Avalanche went 49-29-4 this past season before their elimination in the first round in seven games by the Dallas Stars. Article content Makar was golfing in his hometown of Calgary when he was surprised by friends and family, including his wife and parents, with the trophy. Article content The NHL posted a video of the celebration Wednesday. Article content 'Any time you get recognized for something like this it's very cool,' Makar said in the video. 'It's very special to be able to do this a second time. Article content 'It's truly a team award and we had a fun year, and it'll hopefully be more fun continuing, but this one's for them.' Article content Article content Devon Toews, Makar's defensive partner with the Avs and with Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off, said in a video posted by the team, 'Congrats on your second Norris Trophy. I'm sure you'd have three or four more if I wasn't anchoring you down, but super-proud of you.' Article content Added forward Nathan MacKinnon: 'Congratulations on your Norris. Feels like 10. Apparently, it's only two.' Article content Makar opened the season with a 13-game point streak, which was the second-longest to start behind Bobby Orr's 15 games in 1973-74. Article content
Reuters
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Avalanche's Cale Makar wins second Norris Trophy
June 11 - Colorado Avalanche offensive-minded defenseman Cale Makar is the recipient of the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the second time in his career, the NHL announced Wednesday. The award is presented "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position," as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. "Any time you get recognized for something like this, it's very cool," Makar, 26, said. "It's very special to be able to (win) this a second time. To have the group of guys that we did -- it seems cliche to say, but it's truly a team award. "We had a fun year and it'll be more fun hopefully continuing, but this one's for them." Makar learned that he won the award during a recent golf outing with family and friends in Calgary, his hometown. He joins Hall of Fame members Bobby Orr (eight times), Denis Potvin and Paul Coffey (three times), and Rod Langway (two times) as players to win multiple Norris Trophies before turning 27. Current Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson also won twice before his 27th birthday. Makar took home 176 of the 191 first-place votes and recorded 1,861 voting points to win the Norris Trophy for the first time since 2021-22. He has been a finalist for the award in five of his first six NHL seasons. Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets received 13 first-place votes and finished with 1,266 points, while Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes had two first-place votes and 918 points. Hughes was seeking to become the first repeat winner of the award since Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings captured three in a row from 2005-06 through 2007-08. Makar opened the season with a 13-game point streak. He led all NHL defensemen in goals (30), assists (62) and points (92) this season. --Field Level Media
