Zach Werenski signs three-year contract with Columbus

By @MichaelCaples –

There have been plenty of reports from media outlets, and the Blue Jackets just tweeted a short video of him giving a fist pump.

Looks like one of Michigan’s top hockey products is officially staying in Ohio.

Grosse Pointe native and restricted free agent defenseman Zach Werenski has signed a three-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the deal is worth $15 million over the three seasons.

The USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program and University of Michigan alum was selected No. 8 overall by the Blue Jackets in 2015. He played in all 82 games for Columbus in 2018-19 – his third full NHL season – and racked up 44 points in the process.

Werenski graduated high school one year early to enroll at Michigan as a 17-year-old in 2014-15; he was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie and First All-Star Teams after posting 25 points in 35 games.

The following season, he was a First-Team All-American selection, as well as Big Ten defensive player of the year, while recording 36 points and also serving as captain of the U.S. World Junior team.

He turned pro at the end of the season, and helped the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate to a league title in the playoffs.