Derek Morris Will be a Bruin

In what could be described as a huge gamble the Boston Bruins signed veteran defenceman Derek Morris who is coming off a sub par season that saw the 12 year veteran score a career low 20 points with the Phoenix Coyotes/New York Rangers. Throughout his career Morris who finished last season at a –10 has been knocked for his defensive play and as a result this 30 year-old has seen his stock drop over the years since coming up and making the All Rookie Team in 1997/98 when he scored 29 points and was a +1. Morris was eventually traded to the Colorado Avalanche where in 2002/03 he enjoyed his best NHL season to date with career highs in points with 48 and a +16. Starting in 2003/04 Morris played for the Phoenix Coyotes until being traded to the New York Rangers at last year’s trading deadline. In only 18 games this Edmonton Alberta native registered eight assists on Broadway in helping them qualify for the post season. Prior to being drafted Morris was often compared to a young Paul Coffey and Bobby Orr. In the WHL (Western Hockey League) Morris got the attention of scouts by scoring 75 points that season for the Regina Pats and earning a spot on the First All-Star Team. Despite struggling more often then not defensively Morris has shown an ability during his NHL career to be consistent offensively as shown by his track record, which includes 76 career goals and 340 career points. Morris who signed for only one year at 3.3 million dollars will take the place of steady veteran Aaron Ward who was traded that same day to the Carolina Hurricanes.