Team USA hit the ice for practice in Milan, and the early lineup combinations are already raising some eyebrows-especially in Columbus. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has been slotted on the third pairing alongside Ottawa’s Jake Sanderson.
But before anyone hits the panic button in central Ohio, let’s take a breath. This setup might actually be a win-not just for Werenski, but for Team USA and the Blue Jackets, too.
Here’s how the lines shook out at practice, according to Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas:
Forward Lines:
- Tkachuk - Eichel - Tkachuk
- Guentzel - Matthews - Boldy
- Connor - Larkin - Thompson
- Miller - Nelson - Hughes
- Trocheck rotating in with Nelson
- Keller (extra forward)
Defensive Pairings:
- Hughes - McAvoy
- Slavin - Faber
- Sanderson - Werenski
- LaCombe - Hanifin
Goalie:
- Hellebuyck working in his own net
Now, let’s talk about that blue line-because this is where things get interesting.
Werenski on the Third Pairing? That’s Not a Snub-It’s a Strategy
Yes, Zach Werenski is one of the NHL’s premier defensemen. He’s the heartbeat of Columbus’ back end, a power-play quarterback, and a reliable two-way presence.
But on this Team USA roster, he’s surrounded by an embarrassment of riches on the blue line. This might be the deepest defensive corps in the entire tournament.
The top pairing of Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy speaks for itself. Hughes brings elite puck-moving and offensive instincts, while McAvoy is a rock defensively with enough offensive upside to complement Hughes.
If there’s one spot Werenski could’ve made a case for, it’s Hughes’. But with Hughes’ own GM, Bill Guerin, helping steer the ship for Team USA, it’s no surprise he’s getting the nod to start.
McAvoy on the right side? That’s locked down. No one’s bumping him from that role.
The second pair-Jaccob Slavin and Brock Faber-is built for shutdown duty. Slavin is one of the most defensively sound players in the league, and Faber’s skating and defensive awareness make him an ideal partner.
That’s a duo designed to neutralize top lines. Werenski’s game doesn’t fit that mold, and that’s perfectly fine.
Which brings us to the third pair: Werenski and Sanderson.
This Pairing Has Real Upside
Don’t sleep on this duo. Both Werenski and Sanderson are big, mobile, and excellent puck movers. Sanderson’s versatility allows him to play the right side, and if these two can build chemistry quickly, they’ll be an absolute handful for opposing second and third lines.
This isn’t a demotion-it’s smart lineup construction. Werenski in a more controlled role, matched up against secondary competition, could be a game-changer. He’s going to have the green light to push the pace, jump into the rush, and make plays without having to shoulder the burden of shutting down the world’s best forwards every shift.
And from a Blue Jackets perspective, this is ideal. Less wear and tear, fewer high-leverage minutes, and a chance for Werenski to stay sharp without being run into the ground.
Olympic Break: A Blessing in Disguise for Columbus
The Blue Jackets only have two players participating in the Olympics: Werenski and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who’s suiting up for Latvia.
That’s not quite the lowest total in the league-Buffalo and the Islanders are also sending just two, while Calgary and Chicago each have one-but it’s close. And that could be a competitive advantage coming out of the break.
While other teams are watching key players log heavy minutes overseas, the Jackets will return with a mostly well-rested roster. That matters in February and March, especially for a team looking to make a late-season push.
Of course, the one caveat here is health. If Werenski and Merzlikins come back in one piece-and ideally, energized by the Olympic experience-Columbus could be in excellent shape down the stretch.
The Ideal Outcome? Gold for Team USA, Momentum for Columbus
In a perfect world, Werenski thrives in this role-eats up those secondary minutes, helps Team USA go on a deep run, maybe even brings home gold. Then he returns to Columbus with confidence, rhythm, and a little extra fire.
So no, Werenski not being on the top pair isn’t a slight. It’s a calculated move by a coaching staff working with an elite group of defensemen. And it could end up being a win-win for both Team USA and the Blue Jackets.
Bottom line: don’t worry about the number next to Werenski’s name on the depth chart. Worry about what he’s going to do with the minutes he gets. Because if this pairing clicks, and if Werenski plays his game, he might just be one of the tournament’s quiet X-factors.