Morrissey latest Jet to reach franchise milestone

Milestone magic has been prominent for the Winnipeg Jets in the early part of this season.

By assisting on Mark Scheifele’s game-winning goal on Monday against the Calgary Flames, Josh Morrissey moved past Dustin Byfuglien for the most assists by a defenceman in Jets franchise history.

When asked about the significance of hitting 295 assists, Morrissey was quick to shout out Byfuglien for the impact he’s had on his NHL career.

“My first D partner in the NHL. We played the first 40 or 50 games together as a pairing in my rookie year,” said Morrissey. “I have so much respect for him and I’m very thankful for his mentorship early on and how many things I learned from him. I’m not sure I ever thought I’d pass him in something, but it’s pretty cool. It’s a testament to playing with a lot of great players and a lot of guys that can put the puck in the back of the net.”

Byfuglien still has the edge in goals (122 to 80) and points (416 to 375), though it seems like a matter of time before Morrissey moves to the top of those categories as well.

The assist on Monday also moved Morrissey into a tie for fifth in assists in franchise history with Nikolaj Ehlers.

In the Jets’ 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Saturday, Scheifele moved past former linemate Blake Wheeler to take sole possession of the franchise mark for points and increased that total to 814 on Monday with his goal.

NIEDERREITER ON A ROLL: Jets winger Nino Niederreiter is riding a four-game point streak and has moved into third place in team scoring with two goals and six points in six games.

The Swiss forward has done a nice job of adapting to new linemates in the early going, since captain Adam Lowry continues to work his way back from off-season hip surgery and Mason Appleton signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings.

“He’s done a really good job of trying to figure out his centreman and his linemates,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel. ” It can be hard to do, but he’s been consistent. He’s a big man and he knows how to play and he knows what his role is, both at five-on-five and on the power play and he’s been playing it.”

Niederreiter has bounced between the second and third lines and currently finds himself skating alongside Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist.

“I’ve been playing with (Lowry) for quite a long time, and having different centermen is something you’ve got to get used to,” said Niederreiter. “But at the same time, everybody plays the same system, so we kind of know exactly what we’re supposed to do out there.”

Given his the length of his tenure with the Jets, Niederreiter was asked if he’s been helping Toews and Nyquist adapt to that system.

“I’m still the youngest out of those three. So I always keep them honest that way,” Niederreiter joked. “Obviously, they’re new to the team, so we make sure we talk a lot. Tell them how we do things here and (what) things are supposed to look like. Each and every game, they feel like they’re getting better as well.”

LAMBERT STAYING IN: Although his ice time was limited due to a parade to the penalty box on Monday, Jets forward Brad Lambert is going to get another look on Thursday against the visiting Kraken.

“He’ll stay in the lineup,” said Arniel. “I liked a lot of what he did. Using his speed, he had a couple of looks there and (made) some plays down in the offensive zone. He was responsible without the puck and (stuck) to our structure. Hopefully it’s not such a penalty-filled game on Thursday.”

Lambert, who had one shot on goal and two shot attempts in 7:43 of ice time, skated with Vladislav Namestnikov and Alex Iafallo on Wednesday.

Jets centre Morgan Barron missed Wednesday’s workout and is officially listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Parker Ford took his spot on the fourth line with Cole Koepke and Tanner Pearson in practice.

SCOUTING THE KRAKEN: The Kraken lost 4-1 to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, but they’re off to a 3-2-2 start to the campaign under new head coach Lane Lambert.

They’ve featured a balanced attack, with nine players already recording four or more points. Forwards Jayden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle and Chandler Stephenson and defenceman Vince Dunn all have five points to lead the offensive attack.

Berkley Catton, who was chosen eighth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, chipped in an assist in his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.

The Kraken roster features three experienced goalies in Joey Daccord (who has made five starts), Philipp Grubauer (who has made one start and one relief appearance) and veteran Matt Murray (who has made one start).

Seattle has been dealing with a number of injuries of late, including defencemen Brandon Montour and Ryker Evans and forwards Jared McCann, Mason Marchment and Frederick Gaudreau.

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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