Winnipeg Jets Top 25 Under 25: #7 Josh Morrissey

Previous Rank: 7th

Our next prospect is already familiar with placing 7th on our annual Top 25 Under 25. Josh Morrissey capped his 2014-15 season off by taking a trip to the Memorial Cup on a stacked Kelowna Rockets squad. This came after he had been toiling away with Prince Albert prior to the World Juniors break, a tournament where Morrissey won gold alongside yesterday's Nic Petan.

Once in Kelowna, Morrissey was paired up with Washington Capitals prospect Madison Bowey. It seemed that Morrissey was the less talked about of the duo, both during the regular season and into the playoffs, but he still had a nice stretch with 36 points in 38 games as a Rocket. And so marked the end of Morrissey's major junior career. Depending on how things turn out, he'll either be with the Jets or the Moose, giving Jets fans plenty of chances to see him up close and in person.

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AIH Authors' Thoughts

Andrew:

The only thing which will hold Josh back is him. He’s above Paul Postma on the depth chart and will likely see some time this year, especially if the injury bug hits the main team.

Brian:

The bright spot in a lacking defensive prospect core, Josh Morrissey has a really good chance to make the team. When injuries happen, as they always do, Josh should be the one to step in and fill the spot. The biggest obstacle in his way however, is the mass of third pairing LHD contracts that are holding him back.

Ian:

I don’t see Morrissey making the team this year. There’s just too many contracts ahead of him, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I think he could learn a lot playing with the Moose. But I’m sure the Jets will give him every opportunity out of camp to still make the team and force them into a tough spot.

Ryan:

The only LHD of note in the entire Jets pipeline, there is really no option for Morrissey other than to turn out. Good thing he’s played at a high level since being a bit of a reach, but he’s left me wanting more since his poor showing at last summer’s Rookie Camp. If he doesn’t turn out as a Toby replacement though, who will?

Scouting Reports:

The Hockey News:

Assets: Skates very well and can provide plenty of offense from the back end. Despite a lack of size, he isn't afraid to mix it up with opposing forwards. Displays good instincts for the game.

Flaws: Will he be able to handle bigger forwards in front of his own net at the NHL level? The jury is still out. Also, he will need to prove he can quarterback the power play to enhance his pro prospects.

Potential: Quality offensive defenseman with upside.

Patrick King, Sportsnet:

Morrissey is the prototypical offensive dynamo from the back end. He has a great point shot and exceptional poise with the puck on his stick. He’s a solid puck distributor with good vision of the ice and can run a power-play. Although he’s only six-feet and 186 pounds, Morrissey also plays with grit and a confident demeanour. He can catch forwards with their heads down near his blue line and won’t hesitate to deliver a crushing blow.

Tom Urtz Jr, Bleacher Report:

Morrissey is an amazing skater who has a ton of skill. He is one of the best skaters in the draft, he is agile while maneuvering on the ice and he is a skilled passer. He also is solid in his own end, and he has a pretty solid all-around game.

The one thing he lacks is consistent physicality, but he possesses the puck enough where that won’t be an issue at the NHL level. He can lay out an opponent with a great body check from time to time, but sometimes he is outworked and he loses puck battles along the boards.

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Summary:

General Fanager currently lists ten defencemen under contract as roster possibilities, and that's without Morrissey. Of those ten, the only one on a two-way contract is Jacob Trouba, and we all know he won't be getting sent down.

Unless Josh Morrissey plays as well as Trouba did during his rookie season, it's a safe bet that he'll be a Moose this season. I know that after seeing Scheifele, Trouba and now potentially Ehlers make the jump straight out of junior, it might be seen as a disappointment for Morrissey. But what it won't do is make him a "bad" prospect. Some players just need a bit more time to grow, and I still think Josh would learn a lot playing with the Moose.

But those are just my thoughts. What are yours when it comes to Josh Morrissey? Make sure you put them in the Comment section below!