Bigger Role Means More Goals, Easy Over in Points for Winnipeg's Josh Morrissey

Josh Morrissey has established himself as a standout defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets, rising from the AHL to become a key player on their blueline. Over the past few years, he has emerged as a possible contender for the Norris Trophy, but has fallen short of being a finalist.

As the 29-year-old enters this season, expectations are steadfast despite some analysts predicting a potential regression. Bet365 lists him at +110 to record 70 or more points this season, following a two season stretch where he ranked among the top four blueliners with 145 points.

Yahoo Sports projects Morrissey to finish fifth among defenceman in assists this season with 61, alongside 11 goals for a total of 72 points, just four points shy of his career-high. ESPN echoes this sentiment, as they also forecasting a over 70-point season with 14 goals and 56 assists.

If multiple sources are projecting another 70-point campaign, then we should be fairly confident that he will come close to hitting the mark barring an injury.

An unsuspecting key factor will be his play with longtime partner Dylan DeMelo. Their partnership has proven effective, finishing last season with 62 goals for while the pair were on the ice together. It was the third-most among defensive pairings as they logged an impressive 1,207 minutes of ice time together.

Morrissey continuing to play with DeMelo while also being asked to step into a bigger role makes this bet feel even safer. The Jets will facing changes producing scoring chances after losing key offensive players Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan to free agency.

Consequently, they will be relying more heavily on younger forwards like Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Perfetti, which could open up opportunities for Morrissey to step up and contribute with more goals than ever before.

He scored 28 goals once in junior hockey with the Prince Albert Raiders and showed the goal-scoring capability is there. If he can tap into it and help contribute closer to 20 goals, it would insert Morrissey into the highest tier of defenceman in the NHL and wouldn't be out of the question for him to be in the Norris Trophy conversation.