Morrissey driven to be better

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This article was published 28/01/2025 (226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MONTREAL — Josh Morrissey was skating on the ice that will serve as his home rink for next month’s 4 Nations Face-Off as a member of Team Canada, so it was only natural to be asked by a member of the Montreal press corps what it was like to finally be getting the recognition he deserves.

“I’m not sure if you deserve anything as a player. You have to earn everything you get,” Morrissey said after the morning skate and before the Jets faced the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. “I’ve just worked hard every single day to try to improve as a player. It’s what I love about the game, competing with my teammates and trying to work on things I can work on and try to get better. That’s what drives me. That’s all I really focus on.”

The Winnipeg defenceman is having another fantastic season, with five goals and 43 points in 52 games after Tuesday’s action.

Morrissey’s modesty is admirable, but there’s little doubt being on the international stage will boost his profile.

He enjoys coming to Montreal as a member of the visiting team, but he’s eager for the opportunity to play several additional games inside Montreal’s home rink representing Canada.

“The atmosphere here is outstanding,” Morrissey said. “The hockey culture in Quebec is just in the DNA of the people. It’s a special place to play.”

It was anticipated Morrissey would skate alongside Alex Pietrangelo on a defence pairing, but the Vegas Golden Knights blue-liner has pulled out of the event to deal with an ailment.

That opens the door for Morrissey to potentially be skating beside Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues or with whoever is named to replace Pietrangelo.

Among those believed to be under consideration are Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings, MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames, Brandon Montour of the Seattle Kraken, Chris Tanev of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils.

While Colorado Avalanche teammates Cale Makar and Devon Toews are expected to remain on a pair together, it’s possible Makar and Morrissey could play some shifts together, depending on the circumstances.

FINDING HIS STRIDE

Former Jets forward Patrik Laine is thoroughly enjoying a renaissance in Montreal after getting back to full health.

Laine had 12 goals (including 10 on the power play) and 18 points in 21 games going into Tuesday’s action and has quickly become a fan favourite in la Belle Province.

“His shot is lethal,” said Canadiens defenceman David Savard. “Every time he’s on the ice and every time he takes a shot, he’s just a dangerous player. It’s always fun to have those guys on your team and he’s brought more scoring. Our power play has been hot with him on it. It just opens up more guys when you have a guy like him on the power play.

“He’s been really good for us.”

Canadiens defenceman Alexandre Carrier was recently acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators and definitely prefers having Laine as a teammate instead of an opponent.

“He’s such a good shooter, you’ve always got to respect where he is when you’re in the D-zone against him,” Carrier said. “It’s nice to finally play with him and try to find him when we can.

“It’s also about what he can do with the puck on his stick. He can make plays, too, and he’s really creative offensively.”

Playing in front of a passionate fan base has been a boost for Laine, who has recaptured the joy he felt on the ice when he broke into the NHL as a teenager with the Jets after being chosen second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft.

“Montreal has really embraced having him and he’s been fun to watch,” said Savard. “He’s fallen in love with the game again and it’s good to see.”

PRAISE FOR HUTSON

Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson has done a fantastic job this season of making an immediate impact on the blue line.

Thanks in part to putting together a nine-game point streak that was snapped last week, Hutson has moved into top spot in the rookie scoring race with 39 points.

“He really gets involved in that rush,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel. “Hutson has got vision, he makes plays and he’s a great skater. Just another young guy that’s jumping into this league and there’s no fear. They get right into it and they show what they can do.”

Hutson has also caught the attention of Morrissey.

“He’s obviously very dynamic. He’s fun to watch,” said Morrissey. “With what he’s been doing, I try to tune in and see what he’s bringing to the table and what’s been working for him. He’s confident and when you look around at the top offensive D in the league, there’s a lot of similarities. Obviously, moving well at the offensive blue line, activating in the play at the right time. To think he’s doing that in his rookie year, he’s only going to get better.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld