Pittsburgh Penguins Recall D Joe Morrow
Ahead of Sunday’s contest with the New Jersey Devils, the Pittsburgh Penguins recalled D Joe Morrow from AHL Wilkes-Barre Scranton. It’s Morrow’s first appearance in the NHL, taking the roster place of Kris Letang, who was moved to injured reserve in concert with Morrow’s recall.
Morrow, 20, will be looking to make his NHL debut Sunday night against New Jersey. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound blueliner has spent his first professional season with WBS, tallying 10 points (2G-8A) in 39 games played.
Morrow, who was drafted by the Penguins in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft, has posted two points (1G-1A) and a plus-5 rating over his last nine AHL games.
A former first-round pick, Morrow’s name has been placed ahead of other Penguins prospects (including Simon Despres and Robert Bortuzzo, who have been impressive early with Pittsburgh) as perhaps the best future defenseman in Pittsburgh’s NHL-best blue line corps.
At just 20, Morrow is the youngest defensemen in Pittsburgh’s professional ranks. He has exhibited poise and patience in training camp scenarios with the Penguins, including a very impressive showing in his first camp in 2011 as an 18-year-old.
His first season with WBS has been marked by the typical struggles and successes of a player making the jump from junior to pro hockey, but Morrow’s potential makes him an easy 7th defenseman, capable of filling in until Letang or Niskanen can return.
About the Author
James Conley is the owner of Slew Footers. A Pitt grad and freelance writer, James also contributes to the Yahoo! Contributor Network, Baseball News Source and SB Nation's Pensburgh.
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