from the Columbus Blue Jackets,

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Zach Werenski to a six-year, $57.5 million contract extension through the 2027-28 National Hockey League season, club General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen announced tonight.

Werenski, 24, has registered 65 goals and 124 assists for 189 points with 71 penalty minutes and a +13 plus/minus rating, while averaging 22:43 in time on ice in 335 career NHL games. Since making his debut with Columbus in 2016, he ranks tied for third among NHL blueliners in goals and 19th in points. He is the club's all-time leader in goals by a defenseman, while ranking second in points and fourth in assists.

"Zach Werenski has been one of the top defensemen in the National Hockey League over the past five years and we are thrilled that he will continue to be a Blue Jacket and the leader of our blueline for at least the next seven years," said Kekalainen. "As talented as Zach is and as much as he has achieved so early in his career, he is an even better person and will be a foundational player for our club as we move forward."

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