Winnipeg Jets Ink D Josh Morrissey to 8-Year, $50 Million Contract Extension

Josh Morrissey. Photo by Daniel Lea/Csm/Shutterstock

Winnipeg Jets won’t risk having talented defenseman Josh Morrissey come near free agency next summer. The team confirmed on Thursday that they have agreed to an eight-year contract extension with Morrissey, which will keep him with the organization through 2027-28.

Morrissey’s new deal is worth $50 million and comes with an average annual value of $6.25 million. He has one year left on his previous contract and is set to earn $3.15 million in 2019/20 NHL season.

Jets’ general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff explained that Morrissey was interested in a long term deal last season, but they couldn’t come to an agreement. However, this summer they managed to find a deal that worked for both sides.

“He’s a top notch person and is always willing to give back to the community and is always willing to do things for others on his team. We’re really excited today to be able to announce this and have him as a long-term Jet.” – said Cheveldayoff.

Morrissey had a productive season in 2018/19 despite playing just 59 games. He was third on the Jets in ice time with 22:24, contributing with six goals and 25 assists for career high 31 points.

“I felt it was a great fit. I love playing here.” – said Morrissey. “The term excited me, the fact I get to have that stability. To be here and playing in Winnipeg, from day one, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. To have that, and the way it worked out, I’m really excited.”

Winnipeg Jets took Josh Morrissey 13th overall in 2013 NHL Draft, but he didn’t make his debut until 2015/16 NHL season in which he played a single game. The following season, however, he played all 82 games in the regular season and had 20 points. Morrissey was also a key part of the team in 2017/18, making 81 appearances in which he scored seven goals and dished 19 assists.