Blue Jackets defenseman joins elite company with incredible points streak

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is having a career-defining and record-breaking season.

On Thursday, the 27-year-old notched an assist in his team's 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club.

That assist, while it may appear inconsequential, marked Werenski's 20th straight home game with at least one point.

He's now just the fourth American-born defenseman in NHL history to record a points streak of at least that length. He joins Paul Coffey, Phil Housley and Bobby Orr on that illustrious list. Werenski will represent Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off  from Feb. 12-20.

The No. 8 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft also made Blue Jackets history with his assist on Thursday.

Werenski broke the single-season franchise record for most points by a defenseman (58 points). He passed himself (2023-24) and Seth Jones (2017-18) who were tied at 57 points, accomplishing the feat in 16 fewer games.