Last season, Zach Werenski didn’t just have a career year; he launched himself into the stratosphere of elite offensive defensemen, posting a staggering 82 points in 81 games. If you had him on your fantasy roster, you were likely celebrating a championship. Now, the question on every fantasy manager’s mind is: can he possibly do it again?
Forget a simple repeat. I’m here to tell you that Werenski is poised to not only match that production but slightly exceed it. The foundational elements that led to his breakout are not only still in place but are arguably stronger heading into the 2025-2026 campaign. After a deep dive into the analytics, the power play structure, and his individual growth, I’m locking in a bold prediction. Let’s get right to it.
Zach Werenski 2025-2026 Projection: 80 Games Played, 24 Goals, 61 Assists, 85 Points.
This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a projection built on the lethal potential of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ top power-play unit, where Werenski is the undisputed quarterback.
Analyzing the Power Play Potential
The key to unlocking Werenski’s ceiling lies with the man advantage. Last season’s 23 goals and 59 assists were heavily fueled by his power-play prowess, and the personnel around him create a perfect storm for sustained success. With Werenski at the point, he has a plethora of dangerous options. You have Boone Jenner providing the invaluable net-front presence, creating screens and tipping pucks. Sean Monahan operates as a crafty and intelligent bumper or slot option, finding soft spots in the defense. Then you have the young guns: Kent Johnson’s elite creativity and playmaking draw defenders out of position, while Kirill Marchenko offers a pure sniper’s release on the flank.
This isn’t just a collection of talent; it’s a symbiotic unit. Werenski doesn’t just have to blast away from the point; he can facilitate, finding Marchenko for a one-timer or Johnson for a cross-seam pass. This versatility makes him nearly impossible to defend and ensures his assist totals will remain sky-high. His shot is still a primary weapon, and with Jenner clearing his sightlines, a repeat of 20+ goals is not just possible, but probable.
Will Werenski Maintain a Point-Per-Game Pace?
Sustaining over a point-per-game as a defenseman is a rare feat, but Werenski has proven he belongs in that Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes tier. He is the engine of the Blue Jackets’ offense, driving play from the back end even at 5-on-5. He logged massive minutes last season and has the stamina and skill to handle that workload again. While some natural regression is always a possibility after such a huge leap, the continued development of Columbus’s young forward corps should offset that.
As players like Johnson and Marchenko mature, the team’s overall offense will become more potent, providing Werenski with even more opportunities to pile up points. He’s a lock as a top-three fantasy defenseman and someone you should confidently target in the early rounds of your 2025-26 draft. He’s no longer just a great defenseman; he’s a certified fantasy hockey superstar.
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The post Zach Werenski Point Projections 2025-26: Why an 85-Point Season is Imminent appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
