Zach Werenski was elite over the course of the 2023-24 season.
Among defensemen in the NHL who played more than 400 minutes at 5v5, here’s where Zach Werenski ranked:
xG: 13.9 (4th behind Josi, Makar, and Dahlin)
Points: 46 (12th)
xG/60: 0.49 (5th behind MacDonald, Makar, Hamilton, and Josi)
Assists per 60: 1.61 (12th)
Points per 60: 2.00 (14th)
The Norris Trophy is awarded not just for defensive performance, but as a function of points as well. Werenski finished the year with 57 points, a career high, but managed just 12 power play points (2-10-12) this season. Meanwhile, Werenski posted a whopping 45 points at even strength.