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The emergence of Neal Pionk along with Morrissey's uneven play has made the latter's bloated contract ($6.25 million through 2027-28) one of the most immovable in the NHL. Morrissey is just 26 years old, so there is theoretical long-term upside here, but he managed just four goals and 21 points through 56 games last season despite seeing 2:51 worth of power-play time per game. Morrissey is a fine second-pairing defenseman, but he's being paid like a top-pair guy, and while he might improve some, it's difficult to envision a scenario in which he offers more than mid-to-late round fantasy value this year.
The Jets faced significant departures on the blue line ahead of the 2019-20 season which led to Morrissey being elevated to both the top pairing and the No. 1 power-play unit. The relatively diminutive defenseman matched his career best 31 points last year which included 12 power-play points. Heading into the upcoming campaign, the Calgary native should continue to see his ice time rise. He's certainly capable of playing closer to 25 minutes per game, though the emergence of Neal Pionk could impact Morrisey's minutes with the man advantage.
Morrissey is coming off a career year in which he set personal bests in assists (25), points (31), power-play points (10) and ice time (22:24). All of this comes despite having missed 23 games due to injury last season. The youngster will be tasked with taking on an even bigger role following the departure of Jacob Trouba, which could set him up for an even more impressive 2019-20 campaign. Dustin Byfuglien remains the primary offensive option from the blue line, but it wouldn't be a shock to see Morrissey surpass him sooner rather than later, especially considering they are at radically divergent points in their careers.
Over the course of the previous two years, Morrissey has taken over the responsibilities of first-pairing shutdown defender. Despite being deployed in a slightly more defensive role -- which allows Jacob Trouba the freedom to jump up into the play -- the 22-year-old Morrissey has still managed to reach the 20-point threshold, while missing just one game since breaking into the league in 2016-17. If the smooth-skating blueliner continues his upward trend -- of which he is full capable -- he could challenge for both the 10-goal and 30-point marks in 2018-19.
Morrissey played in all 82 games as a rookie last season, registering 20 points and 99 shots on goal. The puck-carrying blueliner was a power-play contributor during his time in the WHL, but he has yet to assume a similar role with Winnipeg, so he shouldn't be expected to produce at a high level offensively in 2017-18. Unfortunately, the addition of Dmitry Kulikov will likely prevent the 22-year-old from earning an expanded role on the power play as well as capping his minutes per game and possibly preventing him from posting a second straight 20-point season. Morrissey has a much higher ceiling than what he’s shown with the Jets so far, but it remains to be seen whether he'll have enough opportunities to show off his skills this season
Morrissey got a chance to compete for an Opening Night roster spot with the Jets in training camp last season, but ultimately spent 2014-15 in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders and Kelowna Rockets. While he fell back significantly prom the prior season's 28-goal, 73-point output with Prince Albert, his offensive prowess was still in evidence, as he managed to rack up 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists) over 47 games. The 2013 first-round pick will once again get a chance to compete for a roster spot with the big club in training camp, but it’s likely he will spend the majority of the upcoming season continuing to develop in the AHL. Morrissey's only 20 years old, and he'll likely develop into a staple of the Jets’ young defensive corps over the next few seasons. He may not carry much fantasy value in 2015-16, but with his offensive upside, he should already be owned in keeper leagues.
Morrissey seemed to fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon him after the Jets selected him 13th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, finishing as one of the top scoring defensemen in the WHL in 2013-14. After registering a whopping 29 goals and 47 assists in 59 games for Prince Albert, Morrissey earned a promotion to AHL St. John’s during the postseason, where he fared well against advanced competition. His successes last season will put him in the mix for a nine-game taste of the NHL coming out of training camp, but he'll then head back to the junior level for some additional seasoning. Once he arrives in Winnipeg, Morrissey could have an immediate impact as a scorer, much like Jacob Trouba provided for the Jets as a rookie last season. Roster him in dynasty leagues -- he could be riding the planes as early as next season.
Terrific offensive upside, if only he was bigger. Still amongst fellow defensemen in the 2013 draft, only Seth Jones has as much offensive potential. A must have in all keeper leagues.
