Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Zach Werenski Shines for Team USA at 4 Nations Face-Off

Blue Jackets star racks up three assists in dominant win over Finland, proving his Norris Trophy-caliber form on the international stage.

Zach Werenski has swapped one shade of blue for another this month, proudly representing Team USA at the NHL‘s 4 Nations Face-Off.

For the Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, this tournament is more than just an opportunity to wear his country’s colors—it’s a chance to showcase the Norris Trophy-caliber form he’s displayed all season against the world’s best. Recently, Zach Werenski delivered a historic performance, recording three assists as Team USA surged past Finland with four third-period goals.

Zach Werenski opened his #4Nations Face-Off with a game-high 3 assists and in the process tied NHL International Tournament marks for assists and points in a game by a defenseman. 🇺🇸#NHLStats: https://t.co/8t9uqUolWE pic.twitter.com/8u8zPMQ6Fo
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 14, 2025

And so far, he’s making the most of it. Werenski wasted no time making an impact, racking up three assists in Team USA’s dominant 6-1 victory over Finland. The Americans may have started slow, but they turned up the heat in the third period, overwhelming the Finns to secure three points.

The Blue Jackets defenseman’s three-point night tied the record for most assists by a defenseman in an NHL international tournament, a mark last set by Team North America’s Shayne Gostisbehere at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Werenski picked up the secondary assist on Brady Tkachuk’s first-period goal that leveled the game at 1-1. He then played a key role on the power play, setting up both of Matthew Tkachuk’s third-period goals—first to give Team USA a 3-1 lead and then capping off the 6-1 victory. As for Werenski? He was nothing short of spectacular—because at this point, what else would you expect? No matter where he plays, he’s proving to be one of the best on the ice.

Image Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

4 Nations Face-Off

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Zach Werenski

Anamika Shrivastava

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