Zach Werenski Signs Massive Extension With The Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Zach Werenski to a six-year, $57.5 million contract that will start during the 2022-23 season. It will have an average annual value of $9.58 million.

Get ready for six more(enski) of @ZachWerenski 🔥

Check out all the fun, contract extension details ⬇️
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 30, 2021

Locking up Werenski was a real necessity, as the team has been losing a lot of their star talent over the years. Most notably, they had to trade Seth Jones to the Chicago Blackhawks this off-season because he said he would test the market next off-season. Thankfully with Werenski, they will be keeping their top defenseman for the long-term future.

Werenski has blossomed into a top pair defenseman ever since being taken fifth overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In 35 games this past season, the 24-year-old had seven goals and 20 points. In a full 82-game schedule, he would have been right on pace to have his fourth season of reaching at least 40 points.

The amount he's making is a bit high, but ultimately, the Blue Jackets had no choice. Werenski is their top player at this stage and could very well be their future captain.