Zach Werenski having himself a Norris caliber season

[Rowlet]

Once again that’s untrue

Relative to their teammates 5v5 Werenski is:

Corsi%: +4.4%
Fenwick%: +3.65%
xG: +0.2%
SF%: +1.87%
HDCF% -1.77%

Quinn Hughes is:
Corsi% +17.45%
Fenwick%: +17.18%
xG: +15.74%
SF% +15.7%
HDCF%: +16.66%

Makar is Makar and Hughes is probably the best possession player in the league. Werenski is extremely good but he's closer to Fox, Heiskanen, Dahlin tier.

 

[Voight]

If we finish like 5 points or so out of WC2 position Evason easily wins Jack Adams award. If CBJ make it to a WC spot, which isn't likely but not out of the question at this point its a lock.

I am telling you not as a homer coping but if you want a long shot bet that can pay off I would put a small amount of money down on CBJ making the playoffs because there's something here right now and nobody is noticing.

I wouldn't be against it, but I dont think the Adams has ever gone to a coach whose team missed the playoffs. Of course, this year is a special circumstance given the tragedy so the PWHA could very well award it to him.

 

[BKarchitect]

Very cool to see him healthy and dominating. It’s bonkers to me that he’s still going to be only 27 years-old for the entire season (not 28 until next July). Seems like he’s been around forever.

He’s really just coming into his prime and has always had massive tools. If he’s stays healthy he should be a “no doubt top 10” defenseman in the league for the next 5 years and clearly has the ability to perhaps grow into a guy considered at or near the top 5 in the entire league much like Josh Morrissey has evolved into. (Clearly, Werenski is having a “top 5” defenseman season this year, I’m talking more from a reputation standpoint).

 

[Indy18]

I wouldn't be against it, but I dont think the Adams has ever gone to a coach whose team missed the playoffs. Of course, this year is a special circumstance given the tragedy so the PWHA could very well award it to him.

That's my line of thinking. Remember we have dealt with a complete Front office/staffing turnover, we were mocked all last year with player issues, the locker room was dead, we just lost our star player who proved that yes great players are willing to come to Columbus willingly, the death of Kivi still hanging over some members of our team and we were supposed to be dead last with under 70 points. Even right now odds makers still give us less than a 1% chance and Moneypuck legit had to put out an errata saying we only had a 0.3% chance to make the playoffs instead of a 0.00% to protect themselves.

If we came close unless Calgary/Buffalo or a previous lotto team gets in its a 100% an exception.

 

[benfranklin]

Werenski Norris, Monohan and Werenski Hart both mentioned here so far. Ok then.

Chatgbt told otherwise

• Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
  • Makar is once again one of the early favorites for the Norris, continuing his elite performance from previous seasons. His combination of offensive output (points, goals) and defensive prowess has kept him in the conversation as one of the league’s most dynamic defensemen. He’s also a consistent contributor in all situations — from power play to penalty kill.
• Adam Fox (New York Rangers)
  • Fox has been a key figure in the Rangers' defense corps for a few years now. His hockey IQ, positioning, and ability to generate offense from the blue line continue to make him a Norris candidate. Fox’s early-season numbers are strong again, and he’s also known for his exceptional ability to shut down the top lines of opponents.
• Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
  • While Hedman has been a bit quieter in recent seasons compared to his Norris-winning days, he’s still among the top defensemen in the NHL. In 2024, he’s been providing steady leadership for the Lightning and is playing a critical role in both the defensive zone and on the power play. Though his numbers may not match Makar’s offensive surge, his overall play still keeps him in contention.
• Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars)
  • Heiskanen has long been regarded as one of the best two-way defensemen in the NHL, and 2024 has been no different. His ability to play in all situations — whether it’s shutting down opposing forwards or contributing to the Stars’ offense — makes him a perennial Norris contender. Heiskanen's role has only grown in Dallas, and his all-around game keeps him at the top of the conversation.
• Kale Clague (Los Angeles Kings)
  • While not traditionally a Norris favorite, Clague has had a standout start to the 2024 season. He’s become a crucial part of the Kings’ defense, showing an impressive mix of speed, puck-moving ability, and physicality. If he keeps up his strong play through the season, he could push for his first Norris nomination.

 

[Stive Morgan]

People are talking about Werenski and Monahan winning the Hart, but don't they have pretty good/better odds for the Masterton Trophy as well? Unless they posthumously give it to Gaudreau or Landeskog makes a comeback or something. They've had some of the most impressive comebacks from injury I've seen, especially considering their team's situation.

 

[dgibb10]

Werenski is such a stud

 

[banks]

Werenski is the modern Zubov. The most underrated guy of this generation.

 

[Viqsi]

Werenski Norris, Monohan and Werenski Hart both mentioned here so far. Ok then.

Chatgbt told otherwise

• Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
  • Makar is once again one of the early favorites for the Norris, continuing his elite performance from previous seasons. His combination of offensive output (points, goals) and defensive prowess has kept him in the conversation as one of the league’s most dynamic defensemen. He’s also a consistent contributor in all situations — from power play to penalty kill.
• Adam Fox (New York Rangers)
  • Fox has been a key figure in the Rangers' defense corps for a few years now. His hockey IQ, positioning, and ability to generate offense from the blue line continue to make him a Norris candidate. Fox’s early-season numbers are strong again, and he’s also known for his exceptional ability to shut down the top lines of opponents.
• Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
  • While Hedman has been a bit quieter in recent seasons compared to his Norris-winning days, he’s still among the top defensemen in the NHL. In 2024, he’s been providing steady leadership for the Lightning and is playing a critical role in both the defensive zone and on the power play. Though his numbers may not match Makar’s offensive surge, his overall play still keeps him in contention.
• Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars)
  • Heiskanen has long been regarded as one of the best two-way defensemen in the NHL, and 2024 has been no different. His ability to play in all situations — whether it’s shutting down opposing forwards or contributing to the Stars’ offense — makes him a perennial Norris contender. Heiskanen's role has only grown in Dallas, and his all-around game keeps him at the top of the conversation.
• Kale Clague (Los Angeles Kings)
  • While not traditionally a Norris favorite, Clague has had a standout start to the 2024 season. He’s become a crucial part of the Kings’ defense, showing an impressive mix of speed, puck-moving ability, and physicality. If he keeps up his strong play through the season, he could push for his first Norris nomination.

ChatGPT doesn't know anything that hasn't already been written by a plurality of barely-aware national pundits and so can't offer anything new or helpful. In that respect it's much like many posters here.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Werenski Norris, Monohan and Werenski Hart both mentioned here so far. Ok then.

Chatgbt told otherwise

• Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
  • Makar is once again one of the early favorites for the Norris, continuing his elite performance from previous seasons. His combination of offensive output (points, goals) and defensive prowess has kept him in the conversation as one of the league’s most dynamic defensemen. He’s also a consistent contributor in all situations — from power play to penalty kill.
• Adam Fox (New York Rangers)
  • Fox has been a key figure in the Rangers' defense corps for a few years now. His hockey IQ, positioning, and ability to generate offense from the blue line continue to make him a Norris candidate. Fox’s early-season numbers are strong again, and he’s also known for his exceptional ability to shut down the top lines of opponents.
• Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)
  • While Hedman has been a bit quieter in recent seasons compared to his Norris-winning days, he’s still among the top defensemen in the NHL. In 2024, he’s been providing steady leadership for the Lightning and is playing a critical role in both the defensive zone and on the power play. Though his numbers may not match Makar’s offensive surge, his overall play still keeps him in contention.
• Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars)
  • Heiskanen has long been regarded as one of the best two-way defensemen in the NHL, and 2024 has been no different. His ability to play in all situations — whether it’s shutting down opposing forwards or contributing to the Stars’ offense — makes him a perennial Norris contender. Heiskanen's role has only grown in Dallas, and his all-around game keeps him at the top of the conversation.
• Kale Clague (Los Angeles Kings)
  • While not traditionally a Norris favorite, Clague has had a standout start to the 2024 season. He’s become a crucial part of the Kings’ defense, showing an impressive mix of speed, puck-moving ability, and physicality. If he keeps up his strong play through the season, he could push for his first Norris nomination.

No Hughes or Werenski?

AI is ruining everything

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

hes not a name we often hear since he plays in a smaller market but hes always been elite imo

 

[benfranklin]

ChatGPT doesn't know anything that hasn't already been written by a plurality of barely-aware national pundits and so can't offer anything new or helpful. In that respect it's much like many posters here.

No Hughes or Werenski?

AI is ruining everything

Two posts and no mention of Kyle Clague?! Thats why I posted it lol.

But in all seriousness, yes Werenski should be in the Norris talk. Its Makar's to lose right now, but I bet he gets votes.

 

[Viqsi]

Two posts and no mention of Kyle Clague?! Thats why I posted it lol.

Clague isn't a Jacket or a Pred so I don't give a f*** about him.

 

[stppnmd]

I wonder what line of thinking led somebody to ask chatgpt what it thinks of the norris candidates and then post it here. Like, are we supposed to engage with a literal frankenstein of hockey takes?

 

[benfranklin]

I wonder what line of thinking led somebody to ask chatgpt what it thinks of the norris candidates and then post it here. Like, are we supposed to engage with a literal frankenstein of hockey takes?

Tell me you didnt get the joke without telling me about Kyle Clague on the Kings.

 

[Duodenum]

Two posts and no mention of Kyle Clague?! Thats why I posted it lol.

But in all seriousness, yes Werenski should be in the Norris talk. Its Makar's to lose right now, but I bet he gets votes.

I'd say it's Quinn Hughes again. He's been all world, don't think there's another dman in the league that has come close to his impact on the ice. 1st overall in numerous possession metrics, tilts the ice more than any other dman in the league, and is only 4 pts behind Makar (2 less gp). Q. Hughes should be getting Hart votes this year as well.

 

[nowhereman]

He's an early-season contender, by optics alone, but won't win. Hughes should win again by the end of the year.

 

[Jumptheshark]

the 2015 Draft is shaping up to be one of the better ones

 

[ESH]

If we finish like 5 points or so out of WC2 position Evason easily wins Jack Adams award. If CBJ make it to a WC spot, which isn't likely but not out of the question at this point its a lock.

I am telling you not as a homer coping but if you want a long shot bet that can pay off I would put a small amount of money down on CBJ making the playoffs because there's something here right now and nobody is noticing.

Nobody has ever won the Jack Adams without making the playoffs

 

[WaitingForThatCab]

Awards like the Norris are as much a popularity contest as anything. Werenski is definitely playing like he should be a finalist right now, though.

 

[amnesiac]

Awards like the Norris are as much a popularity contest as anything. Werenski is definitely playing like he should be a finalist right now, though.

its a popularity contest yet theres been 9 different winners in the past 9 seasons

 

[CBJx614]

Werenski is helping to drag the Blue Jackets to respectability (now 19th in the league), probably just shy of the range where candidates can start earning Norris consideration. If they rise much higher than their current position in the standings, which is looking likely, he will be a Norris finalist. Columbus is quietly a good/great story this season and they should start getting more credit the rest of the way. Werenski is going to receive a lot of plaudits for their success.

Werenski hasn't had to drag anyone.

Marchenko, Monahan and Kent Johnson are all at or above PPG this season. The team has looked considerably better with KJ in the lineup, when he was out for a few weeks they looked lost. He's basically taken over Gaudreaus role as the play driving winger on the club.

Elvis, Voronkov and Chinakov have been playing great as well. And as others have mentioned, pairing Z with Fabbro has allowed him to play much more aggressively.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

the 2015 Draft is shaping up to be one of the better ones

McDavid
Marner
Rantanen
Aho
Eichel
Kaprisov
Connor

A player the quality of Boeser is the 10th highest scoring forward. Draft was LOADED up front.

 

[MuckOG]

the 2015 Draft is shaping up to be one of the better ones

Best draft in the past 20 years at least.

 

[geebster]

If the season ended now Werenski should be a Norris finalist for sure. I wouldn't have him ahead of Hughes simply because of how Hughes tilts possession more than anyone else. Makar had pretty bad underlying defensive numbers last i checked so I could easily see Werenski ahead of him or at least tied for second right now.

Honestly don't have to make this about anyone else but Werenski though. Hes definitely an underrated player who deserves more attention. Hard to get it in Columbus though.