Zach Werenski enters the 2026-27 NHL season as one of the most valuable defensemen in fantasy hockey, but managers must decide whether his remarkable offensive production is sustainable.
After recording 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points in only 75 games last season, Werenski has established himself as the driving force behind the Columbus Blue Jackets’ offence. My official Zach Werenski fantasy hockey projection for the upcoming season is 21 goals, 58 assists and 79 points in 78 games.
That projection represents a small step backward from last season’s points-per-game pace, but it would still place Werenski among the highest-scoring defensemen in the NHL. His massive workload, heavy shot volume and position on the Blue Jackets’ top power-play unit give him an excellent chance to challenge the 80-point mark again.
Fantasy managers should not view Werenski as a one-dimensional power-play specialist. He creates scoring opportunities at even strength, joins the offensive rush and consistently gets the puck toward the net. Those qualities provide him with an elite fantasy ceiling and a relatively dependable scoring floor.
Zach Werenski Fantasy Hockey Projection for 2026-27
Projected games played: 78
Projected goals: 21
Projected assists: 58
Projected points: 79
Fantasy ceiling: 85 points
Fantasy floor: 68 to 72 points
Werenski’s value begins with opportunity. The Columbus Blue Jackets rely on him to control the puck, begin offensive possessions and quarterback their top power-play unit. He receives significant offensive-zone deployment and is usually on the ice when Columbus needs a goal.
Werenski capitalized on the Blue Jackets’ power play last season while playing with talented forwards such as Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko and Charlie Coyle. That group provides a combination of shooting, net-front presence and playmaking ability.
Fantilli’s continued development could be especially important for Werenski’s fantasy production. As Fantilli becomes a more dangerous scorer and distributor, opposing penalty-killing units will have fewer opportunities to pressure Werenski at the blue line.
Marchenko also gives Columbus a legitimate finishing threat. When defenders collapse toward the shooting lanes, Werenski has the vision to find Marchenko or Johnson in open space. When penalty killers remain spread out, Werenski can take advantage by directing shots through traffic.
Why Zach Werenski Remains an Elite Fantasy Defenseman
Werenski’s greatest fantasy advantage is his ability to contribute in several statistical categories. He scores goals, collects assists, generates shots and receives premium power-play minutes.
His 22 goals last season were particularly valuable because high-scoring defensemen are difficult to find. Even if Werenski falls slightly below that total in 2026-27, another 20-goal season is a realistic expectation.
His assist production should also remain strong. Werenski handles the puck on most important Columbus possessions, allowing him to collect primary and secondary assists whenever the Blue Jackets’ top forwards finish their opportunities.
In leagues that count shots on goal, Werenski becomes even more valuable. His willingness to shoot creates a strong weekly floor. A defenseman can go through a brief scoring slump, but consistent shot production allows fantasy managers to continue receiving value during those stretches.
Should Fantasy Managers Expect Regression?
There is some regression risk after an 81-point season. Maintaining an elite scoring pace is difficult, especially for a defenseman who plays heavy minutes in every situation.
Werenski’s workload also creates a degree of injury risk. Columbus relies on him during even-strength play, the power play and important defensive situations. Fantasy managers should account for the possibility that the Blue Jackets attempt to manage his minutes more carefully during the regular season.
However, I do not expect a dramatic decline. Werenski’s fantasy production is supported by his role, skating ability, offensive instincts, and shot generation. His scoring is not dependent on a single linemate or a short-term increase in power-play luck.
My personal view is that Werenski should be selected as one of the first three or four defensemen in most fantasy hockey drafts. Cale Makar may remain the first defenseman selected, but Werenski belongs in the next group of elite options.
A projection of 79 points may appear slightly conservative after his 81-point campaign, but it still gives fantasy managers a realistic combination of upside and reliability. If the Blue Jackets’ young forwards continue developing and their power play improves, Werenski could exceed this projection and push toward 85 points.
<strong>Final Zach Werenski 2026-27 fantasy projection: 21 goals, 58 assists and 79 points in 78 games.</strong>
Zach Werenski Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 642 | 135 | 330 | 465 | 11 |
| Playoffs | 29 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 2 |
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