NHL Number 53 - Derek Morris

Derek Morris, the right-shooting defenseman out of Edmonton, Alberta, was taken 13th overall in the 1996 NHL entry draft by the Calgary Flames.  Morris burst onto the NHL season as a 19 year-old, playing a full 82 regular season games with the Calgary Flames over the 1997-98 season.  He would have 29 points in that first NHL season, 20 of which were assists.

Morris would continue to produce for the Flames in his first five NHL seasons, eventually being traded by Calgary to the Colorado Avalanche.  The Rocky Mountain air must have been good for Derek as he had his strongest season, statistically, to-date in the first year in Colorado.  He would accumulate 48 points in 75 regular season games, and also have a +/- of +16.

Unfortunately, his tenure with the Avalanche was brief, as he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in 2004.  Morris has continued to play well, through the 2009-10 season, spending time with the Rangers and Bruins in addition to the Coyotes once more.

Through 12 regular seasons in the NHL, Morris has 369 points, of which 289 are assists.

Did you know......................that Colorado selected Paul Stastny with pick it received from Phoenix as part of their trade for Morris?

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