Zach Werenski was picked eighth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets, and he’s slotting in right at number eight still. The American finished third in Calder voting during his rookie campaign, with fewer votes than only Patrik Laine and winner Auston Matthews.
Alongside Seth Jones, Werenski has established himself as one of the league’s best defensemen and deservedly so. Since entering the league, he’s seventh among defensemen in goals with 31 and 23rd in points with 97. His Corsi For of 55.9 percent puts him among the league’s elite and above the likes of Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, John Carlson and Drew Doughty. That’s pretty good company to be ahead of if you ask me.