Columbus Blue Jackets Calder Watch: Zach Werenski

Zach Werenski is going to make the Columbus Blue Jackets opening night roster, and he is looking to make a name for himself.

While the Michigan product has yet to play a meaningful game, his name continues to create a buzz with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This continues as he has shown many great flashes in the preseason. The Blue Jacket’s defense is shored up with Zach Werenski’s addition to the line up.

Werenski is a very versatile defenseman. On offense, he has a heavy shot that always seems to get through which makes him a valuable piece on the power play. Coach Tortorella sees his worth letting him quarterback the power play with four forwards while the other unit has two defensemen and two forwards.

On the defensive end, Werenski has shown poise. In the preseason he is not making many mistakes which are rare out of a young defenseman. He seems to make the right play getting the puck out of the defensive end while he eliminates turnovers.

Werenski will see heavy minutes in Columbus but sparing injuries he will not have to be thrust completely into the limelight with Murray and Jones eating up a lot of minutes on the top line. With these two on the top pairing, Werenski should be able to learn what it means to be a pro while still taking on limited responsibility.

Chances at the Calder

Werenski has a chance to be the top rookie defenseman in the league, but he will have a tough time when it comes to winning the Calder Memorial Trophy which is awarded to the rookie of the year. There are many talented players debuting this year including Auston Matthews. Matthews may have an advantage on Werenski with the name recognition. Along with playing in Toronto will not hurt Matthews chances.

While Werenski will burst on the scene in Columbus, that may not be enough to garner enough recognition to win the Calder. Werenski as a defenseman may not have as flashy numbers as the rookie forwards, but he should be in the embedded in the conversation.