It's not clear if Morrison will be ready for the start of the regular season due to a knee injury he sustained last April, but that did not stop the Flames from re-signing the 35 year-old center in mid-July. General manager Jay Feaster believes that the Flames are a playoff team and that Morrison can help captain Jarome Iginla provide veteran leadership both on and off the ice. With an average of 42 points between the Capitals and Flames over the last two seasons, chances are Morrison will have plenty of suitors in the fantasy realm.
Morrison who has been one of the most durable NHL players during his career, signed with Washington last July. He mainly centered the second line and was productive in his 74 games played, potting 12 goals and racking up a total of 42 points in his first stint with the young team. He will look to provide the same leadership and durability this coming season, while another 40-point effort seems likely.
Morrison, the 13-year veteran signed with the Caps this offseason to provide veteran leadership and depth at the center position. He has been one of the most durable NHL players ever, playing in 542 consecutive games from 2000 to 2007. Wrist and knee injuries limited him to only 39 games in the 2007-08 season, but Morrison responded with an 81-game output in 2008-09. If healthy, the 34-year-old will be a second-line center on the Capitals. Fantasy wise, he needs to prove his worth before making him relevant.
Morrison had played in every regular season game for six straight seasons prior to missing 43 contests for Vancouver last season. Since 2002-03, Morrison's offensive output has tumbled each of the last four campaigns, while bottoming out at 25 points (9 G, 16 A) in 39 games during his final year with the Orcas. He'll likely be paired with top prospect Bobby Ryan on the Ducks' second line, while the left wing on that line depends on whether or not Teemu Selanne is brought back into the fold. The bottom line with Morrison is that even if he's able to stay healthy again during his first run with the Ducks, his game has deteriorated at both ends of the ice and he's unlikely to produce at levels high enough to merit his draft position.
This center is an ironman and steady point producer. He will put up numbers similar to every year (20 goals with about 30 assists), while playing every game. He has been known to take silly penalties, but his consistency in all categories makes him a good late-round selection in middle-sized to deeper leagues.
Canuck fans expect Morrison to maintain the status quo for the upcoming season and that is just what he will do. He doesn't score too many goals, but racks up assists playing with Markus Naslund. He takes some questionable penalties, which should appeal to those including PIMs in your scoring format.
While not considered an elite scorer, Morrison is a proven point producer. Has played four full seasons in Vancouver and has posted seasons of 54, 67, 71, and 60 points. With his skating ability, vision, and playmaking skills, he will benefit from a wide-open game if the NHL holds true to its' promise. His first 30 goal, 80 point season could be on the horizon.
