Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey has done wonders for the franchise since his NHL debut in the 2016-17 season. He has been one of the more consistent offensive defenseman not only on the Jets, but in the NHL. He is often overlooked by the fresh new blueliners coming into the league. Fair or not, he deserves his due. The question is why does he not get his due around the league?
What he has done since day one
Morrissey has accomplished a lot in a small amount of time in the NHL. During his 10 years in the league, he is ninth in points among defensemen since 2020 (351). He was a 2023 NHL All-Star and was fourth in Norris Trophy voting for the league's best defensemen after registering 62 points in the 2024-25 season. For his career, he has 94 goals and 334 assists for 428 points and is a remarkable plus +85.
As the 13th pick of the Jets in 2013, he rose towards the top of the leaders in many categories. He sits fourth all-time in points (428), but became the Jets all-time leader in points among defensemen after a March 7 game against the Vancouver Cancuks, passing Dustin Byfuglien. he has played 739 games out of a possible 902 games and has been consistent in point production while facing the tough assignments on defense,
Is he being overlooked?
Morrissey has played in 739 games and has 428 points, better than 0.50 points-per-game. He has missed some time in his career due to injury but when he is on the ice he does perform and contribute. While Morrissey does not skate like Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, nor does he hit like San Jose Sharks defenseman Jacob Trouba or play defense like Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin, he does do\ all of those things equally well. The problem is that he is not a highlight-reel player. He is quiet in his play and does things well, doing what he needs to do to get his team wins. If that means hitting and playing defense with no points, then that is what he does.
He is overlooked for several reasons: He is not flashy. He has not won a Stanley Cup. He has not won a Norris Trophy. He has not led defensemen in points.
These are what make defensemen stand out, right or wrong. With that being said, he is an outstanding defenseman whom many fans would take on their team. He plays to win and contributes offensively. He does not need the recognition to awards to show that he is a top-tier defenseman in the NHL. His teammates and coach know that and so does the Jets community. He will go down as the best defenseman in Jets history, regardless of how many Norris Troophies and Stanley Cups he has or does not have.
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