Morris was solid, but certainly not spectacular for the Coyotes last season. With 11 points and no goals in 39 games, Morris' point-getting days are well behind him. But he could deliver 100 each of hits and blocked shots … if that brings you anything in your league format.
Morris had one of the poorer performances fantasy-wise of his 14-year career in 2011-12, tallying 11 points, 38 PIMs, 95 hits and 78 blocked shots. While Morris is still a factor on the ice for the Coyotes -- and will likely continue to be in 2011-12 -- his shots on goals have steadily decreased over the last five seasons and his best fantasy days are more than likely behind him.
Morris, who missed the playoffs last season, finished 2010-11 with five goals, 11 assists and a minus-2 rating. He isn't an offensive-minded fantasy defender and won't reward his owners by lighting the lamp often, but if you're in a league that considers hits (117) and blocked shots (136), Morris is a solid option in deeper leagues as long as he's healthy.
At the trade deadline last season, Morris waved his no-trade clause to rejoin his former team. The Coyotes banked on Morris providing insurance on the blue line and they were not disappointed in what he brought back to the team. However, in the Coyotes' system, his skills are better used for defending the puck than shooting it. For 2010-11, any point that Morris scores will be a bonus as he looks to crack the 30 point barrier.
Morris has more offense in his game than Aaron Ward, who he essentially replaces as a top four defenseman for the Bruins, but eyebrows were raised when the cap money freed up by shipping Ward to Carolina didn't go toward re-signing Phil Kessel. Morris' fantasy value is tied to how much power play time he sees, but we expect that at the very least, he'll be part of the second unit when the B's are up a man.
Morris has developed into a very solid defensemen that can be counted on for consistency. He was a plus-8, and was second on the team with that statistic. Morris was also second among defensmen in points scored with 25 (8G 17A). He could be viable defensive option in deep fantasy leagues.
Last season, Derek Morris scored 25 points (6 goals and 19 assists) but went a minus 18 as he was not stellar defensively. To his defense, he is used primarily against the opposing team's top lines, but last year's plus/minus rating was the worst he has had in his career. Typically, Morris would be considered the second defenseman behind Ed Jovanovksi, however the other defensemen on the team fared better last year. Morris is the second highest paid blue liner on the Coyotes and he looks to improve his less than stellar defensive numbers for 2007-2008.
Injuries have plagued his career, but when healthy, he is a very good fantasy contributor. A late-round flyer on this guy is very worthwhile.
Morris is the stalwart of the Coyotes defense that is being built around him. He should be the leading defensive scorer for Phoenix in 2005-06. Morris was acquired from Colorado in a trade deadline deal and is very durable, playing 83 games in 2003-04, tied for the most in the NHL.
