Columbus Blue Jackets Werenski-Mateychuk Top Pair Defense 2025-26

The Columbus Blue Jackets entered the 2025-26 season with questions surrounding their defensive structure. After a year of progress that saw them nearly return to playoff contention, the organization needed to take another step forward in limiting goals against. Through the early portion of the campaign, one pairing has emerged as the catalyst for defensive improvement: Zach Werenski and Denton Mateychuk.

What started as an experiment has quickly transformed into one of the league’s most effective top-pair combinations. The pairing of the veteran Werenski with the 21-year-old Mateychuk has not only stabilized Columbus’ defensive zone play but has also created a ripple effect throughout the entire blue line. As the Blue Jackets continue their push toward playoff relevance, this duo represents both present success and future promise for a franchise building toward sustainable contention.

Why the Columbus Blue Jackets Werenski Mateychuk top pair defense 2025-26 combination works

The chemistry between Werenski and Mateychuk didn’t develop overnight, but the results through their first 108 minutes together at five-on-five tell a compelling story. According to Natural Stat Trick, the pair has posted an expected goal share of 55.78%, ranking 11th among the 47 defensive pairs across the NHL that have played at least 100 minutes together this season. They’ve outscored opponents 5-3 when sharing the ice, demonstrating both offensive capability and defensive responsibility.

What makes this pairing particularly impressive is the context. Mateychuk, playing just his 56th NHL game, is skating on his offside—the right side—which typically presents a significant challenge even for experienced veterans. At 5-foot-11, he’s also not the prototypical size for a top-pairing defenseman in today’s NHL. Yet he’s making it look remarkably natural, using his hockey IQ and stick work to compensate for any physical limitations.

Head coach Dean Evason has noticed how the two complement each other’s strengths. “I just think they communicate. They work real well together,” Evason explained. “They both have an offensive side. But both also defend extremely well with their sticks. They’ve been real good for us.” That communication has been vital, as both players possess the offensive instincts to jump into the rush while trusting their partner to provide adequate coverage.

The underlying numbers support the eye test. When controlling scoring chances and limiting high-danger opportunities against, Werenski and Mateychuk have performed admirably against top competition. For a young player like Mateychuk to handle these responsibilities speaks volumes about his maturity and readiness for an elevated role. His ability to make clean breakout passes and avoid costly turnovers has allowed Werenski to play with more freedom offensively, knowing he has a reliable partner behind him.

Werenski himself has been effusive in his praise for his young defensive partner. “He’s a smart hockey player,” Werenski said. “I think we feed off each other well. He’s very skilled with the puck. Makes good plays, clean breakouts. It’s not always going to be perfect but I feel like for the most part, we’re not really giving up too much and we’re creating a lot. Playing on the offside is not easy at all. He’s making it look pretty easy. I think that’s just a testament to the talent he has and a big reason probably why he was drafted as high as he was.”