Josh Morrissey Ranked 34th in The Hockey News’ Top 100 Players List

The Hockey News has unveiled its latest issue, giving subscribers exclusive access to 76 years of hockey history, feature stories, and unforgettable moments. Among the highlights is the ranking of the NHL’s top 100 players, where Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey stands out at an impressive 34th overall.

Morrissey, who is 28 years old, may not possess the flashy style or dominant physical attributes that some of his peers do, but what he lacks in flair, he more than makes up for with his exceptional hockey IQ. His understanding of the game is a key component of the Jets’ success; he truly makes the entire team’s on-ice operations run smoothly. Notably, he surpassed Dustin Byfuglien earlier this year to become the highest-scoring defenseman in franchise history, capped off by an overtime winner in March.

In the rankings, several other players also made their mark. For instance, 25-year-old Cole Caufield not only led the league with 29 go-ahead goals but also shined with five overtime goals, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His scoring prowess is vital for the Montreal Canadiens, especially when he netted a key goal in a victory against Tampa Bay on April 9.

Moreover, the rankings highlight the rising star of 18-year-old defenseman who is widely expected to win the Calder Trophy due to his remarkable two-way game and skating ability. He has even outperformed fellow Islanders No. 1 pick John Tavares on New York’s rookie points leaderboard, showcasing his potential.

Lastly, in goal, Filip Gustavsson remains an underrated talent outside of Minnesota. Despite a challenging 2023-24 season, he has consistently delivered impressive performances, with only Andrei Vasilevskiy and Connor Hellebuyck boasting better save percentages among goaltenders with over 100 games played in the last two seasons. This level of consistency is a rare trait among netminders, making Gustavsson a player to watch.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.