Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski, the other 19-year-old American rookie, showing he belongs
In the early portion of the season, the Calder Trophy race has centered on a 19-year-old American who is dramatically altering his team’s outlook with his impressive play.
The only confusion is that this is happening with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets.
While Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, 19, has received most of the attention, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, 19, has had a similar "wow" factor to his NHL start.
“I think (Werenski) is one of those guys who plays the same way no matter what level he is at,” Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “For him, it’s more about mental strength than physical skill. You can see his skating and physical strength, but really he just goes out and plays.”
After four games, Werenski has established himself as a top-pairing defenseman, averaging 21:33 minutes per game. He leads his team with five points.
“On the power play, in particular, he has really taken over,” Kekalainen said. “He has added to our power play an element that was missing.”
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Werenski, who was drafted eighth overall in 2015, signed with the Blue Jackets last summer after spending two years at the University of Michigan. He stepped immediately into the American Hockey League and played a critical role in helping the Lake Erie Monsters win the league championship. He had five goals and 14 points in 17 playoff games.
It is considered more difficult to play defense than forward for a younger player, and yet Werenski has played more minutes than everyone on the Blue Jackets except defense partner Seth Jones.
“The way he came into Cleveland last year, it was like, ‘Whoa,’ and then he has picked up where he left off,” Kekalainen said. “We had high expectations for him coming into the season.”
Werenski said playing in the AHL made him more comfortable with the pro game.
“I just felt like I had to do what I do to help the team win,” Werenski said. “If you do that, there is no pressure on you. It’s all about the team. If you get wins, you get individual success.”
The transition to NHL player was made easier by the fact that the drive to Columbus from his home in Michigan is just over three hours. He’s had friends and family at his first home games.
Of course, Werenski has taken some ribbing from Ohio State football fans about his allegiance to the Michigan Wolverines.
“People say they are going to switch me over to become an Ohio State fan. Obviously, that’s a no," Werenski said. "But it has all been good fun.”
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Other rookies making a splash in the early going:
** Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander: With seven points, he only has one fewer point than Matthews. He’s averaging nearly four shots per game.
** Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine: Some scouts believed he might have an impact similar to Matthews'. He has already recorded his first hat trick.
** Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny: With five points in five games, he has proven that he belongs at this level.
** Florida Panthers defenseman Michael Matheson: He’s already plus-5 and has scored two goals. His potential is why the Panthers were comfortable trading Dmitry Kulikov and Erik Gudbranson last summer.
** New York Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey: Scouts said he was ready to step in and score at the NHL level. He already has three goals in six games.
** Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun: The 18-year-old was the 16th pick in the June draft and he’s stepped immediately into the Coyotes lineup, averaging 16:17 of ice time per game.
** Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho: He’s shown that he can be a slick playmaker at the NHL level.
