Montreal Canadiens Free Agent Signings: Joe Morrow

The Montreal Canadiens wrapped up their Free Agency by signing defenceman Joe Morrow to a one year $650,000 contract.

Laval Rocket is going to look pretty good next season as the Montreal Canadiens continue to add to its roster. After bringing in Byron Froese, Peter Holland, and Matt Taormina, the Habs also sign Joe Morrow to join the minor league team.

Similarly to Peter Holland, Morrow was also a first round pick. The Pittsburgh Penguins decided to select him 23rd overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft after putting up 9 goals and 40 assists in 60 games with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. Morrow had a better season offensively the year after scoring 17 goals and 47 assists in 62 WHL games.

Morrow made the transition to the AHL in the 2012-2013 season where the points weren’t as easy to come by. He was close to making his NHL debut in February of that year but was only called as a precautionary replacement. Later on that year, Morrow was involved in two years that resulted in him landing in the Boston Bruins organization.

It was with Boston where Morrow would make his NHL debut. The 24-year old played 65 games for the team, only putting up nine points. However, there were times where he would be send down to play for the Providence Bruins.

The offensive aspect of Morrow’s game has been missing since junior. His best professional point total was the 29 points in 56 games he put up for Providence in the 2013-2014 season. Additionally, Morrow has also been praised for his aggressive nature and willingness to throw a big hit. The Edmonton-native is also a good piece to have on the power play with his big wind-up shot.

Unfortunately, Morrow displays one of the worst qualities any hockey player can have: consistency. There would be games where Morrow would fly around the ice and be involved in every play, and others where he would be very passive. Staying dialed into every play will make him a much better defenceman.

Something to take note of, is that Morrow was the only signing to receive only a one-year deal. Consider this year a, “show me”, season for Joe Morrow. The added pressure in the fact that management may be watching to see if he’s worth investing in long-term could be a good thing for him. Despite what he has become, there’s a reason why he was a first round pick.

If Morrow can pan out the way the Habs want him to, Laval could be a very dangerous team.

Next: Free Agent Signings: Matt Taormina

What do you make of the Morrow signing? Can he turn it around this time? What are your expectations for the Laval Rocket based on these new additions? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!