The Winnipeg Jets defence was thin as it is and could not afford to lose another player. Before Sunday night’s game against the New York Islanders, the Jets announced defenceman Josh Morrissey was out of the lineup after sustaining an upper-body injury in warmups. He has now been listed as day-to-day.
INJURY UPDATE: D – Josh Morrissey will not play in tonight’s game due to an upper body injury sustained during the pre-game warm up.
— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) October 6, 2019
Josh Morrissey Out For Jets
Already without Nathan Beaulieu, the Winnipeg Jets could ill afford to lose another player on the backend especially a defenceman as good as Morrissey. According to Head Coach, Paul Maurice Morrissey post-game Morrissey collided with a teammate in warmups. He was held out of the lineup as a precaution and is listed as day-to-day. The Jets newest acquisition Carl Dahlstrom replaced Morrissey in the lineup despite not participating in warmups.
#NHLJets HC Paul Maurice says removing D Josh Morrissey was “precautionary” and that he is listed as day-to-day for the time being. He said Morrissey collided with a teammate during the pregame warmup
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebeAthletic) October 7, 2019
His absence is just another blow to this depleted defence core that has been decimated by so many departures. With Tyler Myers, Jacob Trouba, and Ben Chiarot no longer with the team, and Dustin Byfuglien suspended as he contemplates his future, Morrissey saw his role increase this season. He was rewarded with his play with a new eight-year, $50 million contract extension.
Moving Forward
Through two games, Morrissey is averaging about 25 minutes of ice time. In the season opener, he played more than 24 minutes against the New York Rangers. While he played more than 27 minutes in the Jets comeback win over the New Jersey Devils. Morrissey has one assist in two games. The Jets will look to bring in another defenceman if Morrissey is out for a long period of time. Going forward the Jets will lean on Ville Heinola and Neal Pionk as the top pair. Both players had busy nights against the Islanders.
The Jets could use Byfuglien in the lineup. His size and strength is something the Jets are missing through two games. Their defence is not the same without him. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, during Hockey Night in Canada’s Headlines segment, his decision will take a lot longer than anticipated. The team is hoping the urge to play comes back for him. However, at this time do not jump to any conclusions.
For Morrissey, the Jets got to hope it is just something minor and he can return to the lineup real soon.
Main Photo:
