Zach Werenski Will Return to Michigan Next Season

When Zach Werenski made it through Columbus Blue Jackets prospect camp without mention of signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets, it was a good sign that he intended to return to the University of Michigan. Now, while at the US National Junior Evaluation Camp, Werenski has confirmed that he will return to Michigan for a second season.

That's huge news for the University of Michigan, who will desperately need Werenski's presence on the blue line next season. The first round pick of the Blue Jackets was the top-scoring defenseman on the Wolverines last year with 25 points, and one of the few bright spots on one of the worst defenses in college hockey. We ranked Werenski as the seventh-best NHL prospect in college hockey last season, and with five of the players ranked ahead of him signing NHL contracts, he should be one of college hockey's top players next season.