COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has been named a finalist for the NHL’s Norris Trophy, which is an award given to the league’s best defenseman.

Werenski, the team’s all-time assists leader, finished the season with 82 points (23 goals and 59 assists), which is a franchise record for a defenseman. He led the Jackets in assists, points, multi-assist and multi-point efforts. It is the first time a Columbus player has been named a finalist for the Norris Trophy.

The Blue Jackets said Werenski is the first U.S.-born defenseman to record 23 or more goals in a season since Brian Leetch in the 1993-94 season with the New York Rangers.

The other two finalists for the award are Cale Makar, of the Colorado Avalanche, and Quinn Hughes, of the Vancouver Canucks. Oddsmakers have Makar as the overwhelming favorite to win the award for the second time in four seasons. The 26-year-old Canadian led all defensemen in the regular season in points (92), goals (30), and assists (62).

The award is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association at the conclusion of the regular season. The three players with the highest vote totals are named finalists. The winner will be announced at a later date.