Joe Morrow
Date of birth: Dec 9, 1992
Place of birth: Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 197
Shoots: L
Position: Defense
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011
One-Timer:
(An excerpt of this section was used in The Good Point’s Mock Draft)
After averaging almost a point-per-game in the 2011 WHL playoffs, Joe is a best kept secret no longer. Morrow is in the all-around puck-moving mould of blueliner who is so highly coveted by NHL teams in the post-lockout era.
Cannon shot – check. Very good passer – check. Puck poise – check.
However, what really sets morrow apart is his absolute superb skating ability. Although I think the comparison is a stretch, when you hear Paul Coffey’s name in the same sentence as Joe Morrow, you have to stand up and take notice.
Although definitely improved especially with respect to positioning, Morrow must continue to develop his defensive acumen and work on having a quicker shot release.
Top Prospects Game: (from Bruins Draft Watch 2011)
“The puck-mover didn’t do a great deal to stand out either way. He was involved earlier in the game when Cherry had a string of power plays, but when the offense tilted the other way, Morrow was largely invisible. You can see the size and skill, but this wasn’t a great game for him.”
Statistics:
Scout’s Honor:
“It’s amazing how strong he is. He has so much power in his legs and upper body, and his leg strength is a big part of his explosive skating as well as his big shot.”
– Portland Director of Hockey Operations Matt Bardsley
“Morrow’s skills are highlighted by hi great skating ability. Morrow has smooth strides, and wins races on a regular basis.”
– HockeyProspect.com 2011 Draft Guide
Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):
- Draft tracker: 5 questions with Joe Morrow, Portland Winterhawks (Yahoo Sports: Buzz the Net)
International Tournaments: N/A
ETA = 2-3years
Risk-Reward Analysis:
Risk = 1.5/5 Reward = 4/5
NHL Potential:
Top 4 puck-moving defensemen with top pairing upside
Strengths:
*See “One Timer” section above.
- Cannon shot
- Very good passer
- Puck poise
- Superb skating ability
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
- Continue to train to increase strength and add mass to frame to handle the rigors of the NHL.
- Continue to develop his defensive zone acumen.
- Need to get shot off faster, i.e. increase shot release speed.
Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 8/10 Defensive = 8/10
NHL Player(s) Comparison:
– A hybrid of Dan Hamhuis and Duncan Keith
– Hall of Fame:
“He reminds me of Denis Potvin, without the mean streak … with his offensive skills and the way he plays the game. He’s a first-pairing guy in Portland and he’ll be an NHL player someday,” said the CSB’s Rick Jackson (Edmonton Journal)
Video(s):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejoPdPV7r_M
Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):
- His father, Dave, was selected in the 1977 draft by the Canucks
- His brother, Josh, was selected by the Predators in 2002.
THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph
Photo credit: Teka England/Flickr
Christopher Ralph is THW’s prospect and draft analyst