LD Josh Morrissey (2013, 13th, WPG)

[R S]

Had a chance to watch him last night and came away more than impressed. He reminds me of someone like a Mark Giordano or Keith Yandle type of player.

He's a great skater and has a flawless stride to go along with his 6'0 frame. His offensive skills are obvious as he makes a strong first pass and also has a very strong slap shot. He showed that offensive skill off as he quarterbacked the Raiders first powerplay unit.

The maturity of his defensive game was what stood out most to be in the game though. He made several nice positioning plays, showing that he has a firm grasp of using his body and reach to his advantage.

http://whl-from-above.blogspot.com/2011/09/pa-raiders-defenceman-josh-morrissey.html

Click to read more...

 

[scoutman1]

Morrissey is very impressive, he is a very heavy open ice hitter, good skater, excellent defensive play, great puck carrier and great at adding offense from the point and being the 4th forward.

 

[Alberta tough]

The WHL dmen for the 2013 draft should be very strong with Morrissey, Roy, Pulock, Kanzig, Hauf, Bowey, Lees etc.

 

[wings5]

The Dub is starting to dominate as far as producing defensive talent.

 

[R S]

Bump.

Expecting big things from him at the upcoming Ivan Hlinka tourney and also next season on a PA team that should improve somewhat.

He comes in 5th on my WHL rankings for the 2013 NHL Draft.

#5 - Josh Morrissey - D - Prince Albert Raiders

Morrissey exploded onto the WHL scene last year with a very good rookie season for the Raiders. The two way defenceman caught my eye early in the year, being the best player on the ice in a pre-season game between the Blades and Raiders in September of 2011. He continued to impress throughout the year, posting 10 goals and 38 points in his rookie campaign on a last place Prince Albert club. He played top minutes on both the PP, PK and wasn't given a ton of help out there. But, that experience will surely go a long way for him this coming season. Morrissey is definitely considered a two way defenceman. He's got a good shot, can pass and skate the puck and also plays with a great edge to his game. He's very passionate about the sport and it shows in his play and in his training. I was very close to ranking him ahead of Pulock in this preliminary list, so that goes to show how much I expect out of him going into next season. He's had the chance to get some great experience internationally, playing for Team Canada at the U-18 World Championships in April and I fully expect him to be a top two defender at the upcoming Ivan Hlinka tournament. As for a player comparison, think of a guy like Mark Giordano. Expect this kid to make some noise and fully justify a top 15 selection in 2013.

http://whl-from-above.blogspot.ca/search/label/Josh Morrissey

 

[DKQ]

From this description he sounds a lot like Mathew Dumba. What's the main difference, in your opinion?

 

[R S]

From this description he sounds a lot like Mathew Dumba. What's the main difference, in your opinion?

Dumba is much more explosive, a better skater, has a better shot and is much more physical.

Morrissey is more of an all-round D. Does many things well and isn't feast or famine like Dumba is.

Not really similar in playing style.

 

[R S]

Morrissey off to a great start this season, watched both his games live. Very physical and aggressive in game one. Last night he had 3 assists and was great with the puck.

The kid really does it all. Definitely needs to be in talks to be a top 15 pick.

 

[shello]

Morrissey off to a great start this season, watched both his games live. Very physical and aggressive in game one. Last night he had 3 assists and was great with the puck.

The kid really does it all. Definitely needs to be in talks to be a top 15 pick.

I don't think top 10 is out of the question, when Ive watched him play, he's just so dynamic and as well physical like you said. I don't think there's a huge gap potential wise between him and Rielly

 

[Victorious Secret]

Beast in NHL13. Speaking of that, still like your work RS.

 

[Circulartheory]

Do you think Morrissey has any chance of getting selected higher than Pulock?

Who is more dynamic?

 

[DangerMan]

Do you think Morrissey has any chance of getting selected higher than Pulock?

Who is more dynamic?

- Sure there is a chance, especially considering they are two very different style defensemen. Someone might be looking for an extreme puckmoving, mobile defender and Morrissey might be one of the best ones on draft day.

- Morrissey is likely more dynamic.

 

[Circulartheory]

- Sure there is a chance, especially considering they are two very different style defensemen. Someone might be looking for an extreme puckmoving, mobile defender and Morrissey might be one of the best ones on draft day.

- Morrissey is likely more dynamic.

Just to clarify for comparison, how would you describe Pulock then?

 

[R S]

Do you think Morrissey has any chance of getting selected higher than Pulock?

Who is more dynamic?

For me, Pulock is probably a bit more dynamic just because I think his shot is a game-changing skill and he's a better skater overall.

Neither of them play a terribly 'in-your-face' type of game, so it's hard to really say but if I had to I would say Pulock.

 

[DangerMan]

Just to clarify for comparison, how would you describe Pulock then?

Pulock is more of a station to station type player. Uses more cerebral play as opposed to Morrissey who has his skating to get him out of trouble. The differences between the two are pretty small. Pulock has a harder shot and is bigger, while Morrissey has more mobility. Pulock, I can easily see as being a 25 minute a night dman playing in all situations at the pro level. Morrissey may be able to as well, but that debate is still open in my opinion. Both are very smart hockey players.

 

[Gritty]

The kid is so solid. I've only seen him play x2 live, but he has the speed, physicality, and hockey sense to succeed. I could definitely see him in top 10 talk... (obvioulsy season results pending). I'd love to see him wearing the Flaming C. (I'm sure he would too.. Calgary kid.)

________

Just saw he will be playing in the dome Oct.5th. I'll buy my ticket now.

 

[R S]

The kid is so solid. I've only seen him play x2 live, but he has the speed, physicality, and hockey sense to succeed. I could definitely see him in top 10 talk... (obvioulsy season results pending). I'd love to see him wearing the Flaming C. (I'm sure he would too.. Calgary kid.)

________

Just saw he will be playing in the dome Oct.5th. I'll buy my ticket now.

Speaking of Calgary, he actually reminds me a lot of a guy like Mark Giordano.

 

[Aaron Vickers]

More on Morrissey, who can definitely become a top-3 defenseman in this 2013 class:

Josh Morrissey may just be scratching the surface as well.

Playing on a bad team last season, Morrissey really stood out from the crowd in Prince Albert. He served as part stay-at-home defensive stalwart, part puck rushing offensive dynamo as well as part physical enforcer from the backend for the Raiders last season. He did everything for them and really stood out as far as 2013 eligible prospects went last year.

The former Calgary Royals standout is smart and can truly do it all but needs to add more strength to be able to take his game to the next level.

http://futureconsiderations.ca/top-talent-litters-blueline-in-2013-draft/

“(He’s) my favourite prospect out of the WHL this year,” Future Considerations Western Hockey League scout Zenon Herasymiuk said, “Morrissey is a smooth skating, offensive defenseman that can work the power play and has the athleticism and smarts to be effective defensively. Morrissey will be the head of the raiders back end this year and will have every opportunity to shine in many roles.”

http://futureconsiderations.ca/raiders-rebound-to-be-led-by-morrissey/

 

[Gritty]

Speaking of Calgary, he actually reminds me a lot of a guy like Mark Giordano.

I've also used this comparison. I think if he hits his ceiling he will be slightly better offensively, skating, and hockey IQ.... Probably the same physically.

 

[Gritty]

Dominated the game tonight...

1G 2A.

He was a -2 on the night, but wouldn't say either was his fault. Love this prospect.

 

[western redmen]

Went to school with him, hope he gets drafted in the top 10

 

[R S]

Watched his two games prior to last night and he was simply not very good in those two outings, despite the Raiders getting results in the win column. He made bad plays with the puck and was out of position often.

Good to see he bounced back from those outings with a strong one last night.

 

[Aaron Vickers]

Cody and Zenon Herasymiuk, our other WHL scout, have nothing but great things to say about this kid.

We managed to wrangle Morrissey for a bit of a Q&A a week ago.

“Like all players, I’d like to improve in all areas of my game. Sidney Crosby says that every day. One of the concerns is my strength and my size and I’m working every day to try to get stronger and improve in that facet of my game.â€

http://futureconsiderations.ca/morrissey-gets-jumpstart-on-draft-year/

 

[zjh]

Reminds me more of Jake Gardiner. Haven't seen the physical edge that others have eluded to.

 

[Gritty]

Reminds me more of Jake Gardiner. Haven't seen the physical edge that others have eluded to.

Youtube him.

He has some huge open ice hits... Reminds me of a Giordano/Kronwall mix.

Fights/hits/scores/skates well...