Columbus Blue Jackets Summary

Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets has won the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top all-around defenseman, marking the first such honor for the 28-year-old. He excelled this season with 22 goals and 59 assists for a total of 81 points, skating an average of 26 minutes and 37 seconds per game, the second-highest in the league.

This achievement elevates the Blue Jackets' profile in the NHL and underscores their talent development efforts, especially as Werenski is the franchise's career leader in assists and second in points.

Meanwhile, the team’s dynamics have been impacted following the hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach, a decision that sparked mixed reactions among fans. Babcock, who has been out of the NHL for four years, faces scrutiny over his past with players and whether he's suitable for a young team.

This summer also saw significant movement among Blue Jackets prospects, with Stanislav Svozil returning to the Czech Republic to join HC Kometa Brno after a lackluster season in North America, while Nikolai Makarov continues his development in Russia's KHL.

Additionally, Dante Fabbro's role with the Blue Jackets diminished during the 2025-26 season; after starting strong, he struggled against top competition, leading to a demotion to the third pairing. Despite this, he remains under contract for three more seasons, indicating the team's ongoing commitment to player development.