It's not by accident that Zach Werenski has put himself in the Calder Trophy conversation.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman recently traveled to his home state of Michigan following the death of his grandfather, but that didn't stop him from staying in game shape, much to the delight of head coach John Tortorella.

From Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch:

Werenski has been away from #CBJ for two days to attend his grandfather's funeral in Michigan. On Wednesday, he called training staff 1/2 — Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) December 8, 2016

... to get that day's off-ice workout so he could train/skate at U of M. Tortorella: "That's the kind of kid we're talking about." 2/2 — Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) December 8, 2016

As it so happens, the Blue Jackets will be in Detroit to play the Red Wings on Friday, and Werenski - who has recorded 17 points in 24 games - could give his family a boost with a strong performance after what has surely been a tough week.