We know how great it is to have Seth Jones and Zach Werenski on the Columbus Blue Jackets. The national landscape also recognizes that, as over the weekend, both players were selected by NHL Network as they unveiled their Top 20 Defenseman Right Now.
Jones placed fifth in the voting while Werenski slotted in at number 20.
Some serious star power on that list 🌟#NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/YIjc5xqTYL
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 19, 2019
Jamison Coyle and three-time Stanley Cup champion Ken Daneyko provided the countdown for the network. The top 20 players were selected based on their overall body of work in the their respective careers, with an added emphasis on the 2018-19 season. Voting was also based on projection for 2019-20, for players coming off injury and those are who are expected to have breakout seasons.
Said Daneyko about Jones:
“He’s really just understanding how good he can become. That’s how young defensemen do it. It takes a little bit of time, but boy, is he growing, no question. He’s gonna have one Norris Trophy … he has the potential to be one of the best in the game.”
Check out some video highlights of Jones here courtesy of NHL.com.
Daneyko on Werenski:
“He’s going to be, within a couple years, top-10. There’s no doubt about it. …He’s a guy that you’re going to be able to count on in every situation for a lot of years in Columbus and a guy that always – I would expect – to be in the top-20 for years to come. But I expect him to climb.”
Check out some video highlights of Werenski here courtesy of NHL.com.
NHL Network’s Top 20 Defenseman Right Now was a continuation of their four player series, also ranking top 20 centers, wingers, and goalies. Starting Sunday Sept. 1, NHL Network will rank the Top 50 Players Right Now: 50-41, so there’s a chance Jones or Werenski appear again. Stay tuned!