Maurice says young defenceman Morrissey catching on quick with Jets
WINNIPEG — Head coach Paul Maurice says Josh Morrissey is a rare player and he’s happy the young defenceman is sticking with the Winnipeg Jets.
The former restricted free agent signed a two-year, US$6.3-million contract on Sunday, but the top-pairing blue-liner was not scheduled to play in Monday’s first exhibition game at home against the Minnesota Wild after missing the start of training camp.
“A really unusual (learning) curve, so I wouldn’t say that I’ve had another player like this, especially a defenceman,” Maurice said when asked about Morrissey’s development after Monday’s morning skate.
“Josh got drafted as a really smooth, puck-moving defenceman with some real fine offensive skill. The questions for every single defenceman coming in is, how will they handle these guys one-on-one? How will they defend?”