Blue Jackets D Werenski agrees to 3-year deal

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski agreed to terms on a three-year, $15 million contract on Monday. Werenski recorded 11 goals and 33 assists in 82 games last season while averaging 22:54 of ice time per contest.

Werenski added one goal and five assists in 10 playoff games in the spring as Columbus advanced to the second round for the first time in franchise history. The 22-year-old Werenski is set to become Columbus' second-highest-paid defenseman behind Seth Jones, who carries a $5.4 million cap hit for the next three seasons.

"Zach Werenski is one of the best young defensemen in the National Hockey League and we couldn't be happier that he will continue to be a foundational player for the Columbus Blue Jackets," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He is a gifted offensive player that has continued to improve in all facets of the game and will be an elite player for many years." Werenski has collected 38 goals and 90 assists in 237 career NHL games since being selected by the Blue Jackets with the eighth overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft.

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