Oilers go for D at 19

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Edmonton Oilers had first choice, and in our PHN mock selection selected Center Ryan Hugent-Hopkins. Now, moving on to their next choice, number 19, as acquired in a trade for Dustin Penner to the Los Angeles Kings earlier in the year, there remains a great pool of players in which to choose.
The Oilers could use some additional depth on the blue line. The two top current prospects, Martin Marincin and Jeff Petry had good seasons, but still need more time before they are ready to move up to the NHL.

With that, Joseph Morrow is currently among the top ranked defensemen, as far as his strength and physical puck handling skills are concerned. Morrow, 19, is from Sherwood Park, Alberta and has hockey in his genes. His father, Dave was drafted in the fourth round (56^th overall) in 1977 amateur draft by the Vancouver Canucks and brother Josh was drafted in 2002 by Nashville.
Morrow played his third year in the Juniors with the Portland Winterhawks and has improved his game over each season, ending this year with 49 points in 60 regular season games (9 goals, 40 assists, 67 penalty minutes), and in the plus/minus category was a +23 . He made a good showing in the post-season with nearly a point per game (21 games, 6 goals, 14 assists, +3).
The Winterhawks skipper Mike Johnston seems pleased with his maturity in the locker room as well. He mixes well with his teammates and displays natural leadership to the team.
On the ice, Morrow’s shots are hard and he represents a solid physical presence low in the defensive zone, at six foot, nearly 200 pounds.
Scouts seem to be interested in his strong decision making skills, ability to get the puck out of the zone and creating odd-man situations. He is a strong skater and mobile, with a physical edge and could be part of what the Oilers need to get back on track in the coming years.
“With the 19^th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers select, from the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, defenseman Joseph Morrow.”
To learn more about Joseph Morrow click here.
Contact the writer at Shellie.Lima@prohockeynews.com Contact the photographer at Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com