A True Team Player

What more can you say about the main stay on defense for the Coyotes? Derek Morris has been the definition of consistent since joining Phoenix in the 2003-04 season. Morris has given the team grit and both defensive and offensive play when needed. Not many players come around with the style of game Morris brings. He was an excellent acquisition and a tremendous assistant captain for the duration of his stay. For these reasons, I'm writing with a heavy heart, which I'm sure all Coyotes fans have been feeling as of late.

Tonight's game began poorly in the locker room and finished worse on the ice. Derek Morris was pulled from the starting lineup minutes before game time. Although it was a shock, I think all fans knew what this meant. The end of a chapter in Coyotes history. The team has been facing some up-hill battles as of late and this one could be the toughest. The players had to play a crucial home game before a long road trip all while knowing a fellow mate will not join them. Although no announcement has been made, Derek Morris will be traded by tomorrow morning. To where? Only speculation at this point.

Morris has been rumored to many teams, especially from the Eastern Conference. With his contract up after this season, the Coyotes have to make a tough decision before the March 4th trade deadline. They could risk losing Morris for nothing in free agency or they could get something in return for him. Times are tough with the Coyotes and it appears that all they can offer Morris is a one-year contract. This is an insult to a player that has developed into a go to guy on defense. Although Ed Jo brings the offensive flash, Morris is the back bone to this defensive corp. Morris would like to stay in Phoenix, but who knows what the state of the Coyotes ownership will be come July. Picking up something for an unrestricted free agent makes sense, obviously, but if there is intent on a re-sign in July the trade can look perfect come next season. Time will tell.

Some may have already heard that that this evening another player has been a mysterious healthy scratch. Bill Guerin of the New York Islanders missed tonight’s game against the Buffalo Sabres and is rumored to be traded as well. Something seems to be holding up these two trades from being completed. Guerin seems to be headed to a team in the Northeast, and Morris has been pursued by plenty of teams in the Northeast area. For both players to be healthy scratches on the same night leads me to believe they are connected in some way. Cap space could definitely be an issue for these two players to wind up on the same team. A few teams come to mind for destinations of both players.

The New York Rangers are desperately in need of some character and a defenseman. Morris and Guerin are both known for character and obviously Morris brings top defense to any club. I believe that Guerin to the Rangers could be on hold because of the specifics of a Morris trade to clear up some final cap questions. The Rangers could be sending a player with a decent contract to either Phoenix or Long Island. Possible players on the way out of the Garden could be Gomez, Prucha, or Rozsival.

Another team that would make sense to be involved is Montreal. This is a team desperate to win this year with the 100th anniversary celebration. The fact that they already landed a good offensive defenseman in Schneider may take them out of the Morris sweepstakes. Montreal is looking for some scoring depth which can be found in Guerin and could offer up potential free agent and Long Island native Chris Higgins. Montreal is a more likely destination for Guerin, but at this point nothing would surprise me.

One more wild card team that could be in the running is the Washington Capitals, looking to sure up some holes with veterans to make a serious cup run. Morris could hand Mike Green some backup on D in our nations capital and Guerin would provide scoring depth on the wing. The Capitals have strong prospects at the AHL level in Hershey and also at the NHL level. One hold up with the Caps could be dumping Nylander’s contract at this point.

No matter where Morris goes, he sure has provided some good memories in the desert. He’s made the city of Phoenix proud many nights on and off the rink, and I for one wish him the best on his travels. Hopefully his path will lead back to the rink at Jobing. With the way this team is headed on defense, we will need him for next year.