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Werenski leaving Michigan to join Blue Jackets’ organization

MiHockey Staff
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced this morning that Wolverines defenseman Zach Werenski, their first-round pick from last summer’s NHL Draft, has signed an amateur tryout contract with their AHL club.

Werenski, 18, has signed an amateur tryout contract with the Lake Erie Monsters, which means he will forego the final two years of his NCAA eligibility with the Wolverines.

“Zach Werenski is a tremendous young man and a very talented player who is going to be an important part of our organization for many years and we’re excited about him taking this first step in his professional career,” said Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen.

As noted by Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman, Werenski signing an AHL amateur tryout deal now may protect him from a potential NHL expansion draft in 2018. Expect to hear more about Werenski’s contract situation soon, as TSN’s Frank Seravalli reports that he and the Blue Jackets are working on a three-year deal.

“It’s exciting, I’ve worked for this for a long time, and now that time is finally here,” Werenski said in a release from Michigan. “I’m extremely grateful for the chance to play at Michigan and without my experience here I don’t’ think I’d be the player I am today.”

The Grosse Pointe native concluded his sophomore season with the Wolverines this past weekend. He finished with 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points and a +5 rating in 36 games with Michigan. Werenski was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and he was a first-team All Big-Ten selection.

He is expected to receive All-American recognition later this spring, as well.

Werenski spent one season with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program before graduating high school a year early to join the Wolverines as a 17-year-old freshman. In two years in Ann Arbor, Werenski recorded 20 goals and 41 assists for 61 points, and he was a +14 over 71 games.

“Before I arrived at Michigan, Coach Berenson told me and my dad that coming here would be the best decision I ever made and I agree with him,” Werenski said. “It was hands down the best decision I ever made.”

MORE: Zach Werenski talks about being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets | Berenson on Werenski: “This is an exceptional player who is coming in a little younger than most players”

“The main thing I’m going to remember is how great it was and how well treated we were at Michigan,” Werenski said. “This school, the education, the people here, it was such a great opportunity. It’s hard talking about it because you don’t want it to be over but it was such a great experience. It’s probably going to be at the top of my list of my hockey experiences so far. I’ll leave with all positives in my mind.”

Zach Werenski in action during the Wolverines' final game of the 2015-16 NCAA season. (Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey)
Zach Werenski in action during the Wolverines’ final game of the 2015-16 NCAA season. (Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey)