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Zach Werenski leads NHL in ice time as Blue Jackets host Lightning

The Columbus defenceman has averaged more than 28 minutes through 16 games without taking a penalty.

File photo: Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski carries the puck against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena.
Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Zach Werenski leads the NHL in average ice time through 16 games as the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare to host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.

The Columbus defenceman has played more than 28 minutes a game and has yet to record a penalty minute. He has two goals and 12 assists, and leads the Blue Jackets in assists.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET at Nationwide Arena. Tampa Bay is playing for the second night in a row after beating the Buffalo Sabres 8–3 on Wednesday.

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