The Columbus Blue Jackets finally managed to get on the same page with their young star defenseman Zach Werenski. The team announced on Monday that Werenski inked a new deal which will keep him with the franchise through 2022.
Werenski, who was a restricted free agent this summer, will receive $15 million over the course of the next three years.
“Zach Werenski is one of the best young defensemen in the National Hockey League, and we couldn’t be happier that he will continue to be a foundational player for the Columbus Blue Jackets,” – said general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in a statement. “He is a gifted offensive player that has continued to improve in all facets of the game and will be an elite player for many years.”
During the 2018/19 NHL season, Werenski spent a career-high 22:54 minutes per game on ice and proved to be a really productive part of the Blue Jackets team. The 22-year-old contributed 44 points, which included 11 goals and 33 assists. He was also selected into his first All-Star game.
Columbus Blue Jackets selected Zach Werenski eighth overall in 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Since then he played a total of 237 NHL games, scoring 38 goals and dishing 90 assists.
Werenski was also part of the United States men’s national ice hockey team at this year’s World Cup, playing two games.
