Zach Werenski

Werenski led the NHL in goals among defensemen (20 in 63 games) two seasons ago, but he, like most of his teammates, took a step backwards (7 goals, 20 points in 35 games) last year. Werenski also missed the latter part of the campaign with a sports hernia injury that eventually required surgery. Not deterred by the injury nor the dip in production, Columbus gave Werenski a whopping six-year, $57.5 million contract this summer. It ties Werenski to the Jackets through the 2027-28 season. With Seth Jones -- who refused to sign an extension -- dealt to Chicago, Werenski is Columbus' unquestioned No.1 defender and the 24-year-old Michigan native will be given every opportunity to pile up points in 2021-22. Werenski remains a strong early-round target.

Werenski had another strong season in 2019-20, leading all defensemen with 20 goals while adding 21 assists, 13 power-play points and 187 shots on goal in 63 contests. The 23-year-old American is locked into a spot on Columbus' top pairing and first power-play unit, and although he likely won't be able to replicate his 10.7 shooting percentage from last season in 2020-21, he'll still be a lock for a double-digit goal, 40-plus point pace while averaging over two shots on net per contest. Werenski should be considered a top-15 option among defensemen heading into the upcoming campaign.

Among active NHL defensemen, only Aaron Ekblad tallied more goals by his age-21 season than Werenski's 38, and Ekblad has a one-season head start, debuting at 18 instead of 19. Now a grizzled 22, Werenski has been a power-play stalwart for the Blue Jackets ever since he stepped on the ice, combining slick passing and excellent vision with an uncanny knack for getting his point shot through traffic and behind the goalie. He's also worked hard to develop the rest of his game, although last year's minus-12 rating was a step backwards from his first two seasons. Seth Jones is the unquestioned top dog on the Columbus blue line thanks to his all-around ability, but Werenski is the blueliner with highest pure offensive ceiling, and his best days remain ahead of him.

A lingering shoulder injury that eventually required offseason surgery prevented Werenski from building on his impressive rookie performance, but the 21-year-old was still able to make an impact with a career-high 16 goals. When he's healthy, he's a dynamic power-play quarterback and offensive threat at even strength, showing excellent passing skills and hockey IQ with a shot from the point that has an uncanny knack for finding its way through traffic. Werenski isn't a one-dimensional attacking player, though -- he's registered positive plus-minus ratings in both his NHL seasons and provides a calm, efficient presence in his own end. He's not as physical as his blue-line partner Seth Jones, but he doesn't need to be. His recovery from surgery could linger into the regular season and cause a slow start, but once he's 100 percent expect Werenski to enjoy a breakout campaign.

Werenski was a revelation as a teenager in his NHL debut last season, immediately stepping into the Blue Jackets lineup as their top offensive weapon on the blue line while holding his own as a defender. The eighth overall pick in 2015 displayed great vision and passing ability on the attack, as well as an uncanny knack for getting his shot through traffic from the point, and his presence was one of the key ingredients in a revitalized Columbus power play through the early part of the season. Expectations will be sky-high for the burgeoning superstar in 2017-18, but his talent and supporting cast should allow him to avoid a sophomore slump and top the 50-point mark.