Zach Werenski makes Blue Jackets history with nine-game point streak

Zach Werenski reacts after a goal
Zach Werenski reacts after a goalJason Mowry / GETTY IMAGES

Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski extended his point streak to nine games with an assist during Saturday's matchup against the New York Islanders, making it the longest by a defenceman in franchise history.

The reigning gold-medal Olympian for Team USA recorded his 44th assist - fourth most amongst NHL defencemen - on the season to help teammate Mason Marchment find the net for his 14th goal, putting the Blue Jackets up 2-0. 

Werenski now has two goals and 10 assists in the past nine games. He's just second behind Washington Capitals' Jakob Chychrun (22) for the most goals by a defenceman this season with 20. They are the only two D-men with at least 20 goals.

*Update: Werenski would go on to record his 45th assist of the season and the second of the game after setting up Adam Fantilli for his 15th goal of the year. The goal tied things up 3-3 with the Islanders, who scored three straight following Marchment's goal. 

After being selected eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, Werenski made his debut the following year for the Blue Jackets, eventually placing third in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year) and earning All-Rookie honours after putting up 11 goals and 36 assists in 78 games at age 19. 

But it wasn't until the past few seasons that Werenski truly started to show his peak. 

After going seven seasons without 40 assists in a season, Werenski hit 46 in 70 games with 11 goals during the 2023-2024 campaign. The following season, he would put up career highs across the board with 23 goals and 59 assists in 81 games - both of which he's looking to surpass this season. 

Werenski will need four more goals and 16 more assists in the team's remaining 28 games during the regular season.

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