COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Zach Werenski, the club’s first pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, to a three-year entry level contract beginning with the 2016-17 season, General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. Werenski, who earlier signed an American Hockey League tryout contract with Cleveland’s Lake Erie Monsters, will remain with the Blue Jackets’ affiliate for the rest of the 2015-16 season. He is expected to make his professional debut on Friday when the Monsters visit the Chicago Wolves.
Werenski, 18, was the eighth overall pick in last summer’s NHL draft.