Pittsburgh Penguins sign 2011 NHL Entry Draft pick Joseph Morrow to Entry-Level Contract –NHL Update
Young defenseman, Joseph Morrow, had to wait a while but finally got what he wanted as his original draft team, Pittsburgh Penguins, signed their 23rd overall 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft pick to a three-year, entry-level contract
on Wednesday night, August 8.
The announcement about the signing had been made by Pittsburgh Penguins executive vice president and general manager, Ray Shero.
Morrow might have landed the entry-level contract, but it will be up to him now to prove that he really is NHL material and playing him on the major league would be in Penguins best interest.
"Signing a professional contract is a dream come true, but I also know I still have a lot of work ahead of me", said Morrow. "I'm committed to doing everything I can to become a better player so I can one day make it to the NHL with the Penguins".
Joseph Morrow, an 18-year-old defenseman from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is one of the highest scoring defenders in the Western Hockey League (WHL). He led the Portland Winterhawks as the defenseman with the most points, 87 (16 goals, 71 assists) in a total
of 165 games throughout three seasons.
Standing at 6-foot, 197-pounds, Morrow is an extremely physical player who is not scared of getting the job done when needed. It is most likely that he will continue his development within the junior leagues, namely Portland, until he is brought up into
the NHL to play out the three-year contract with Pittsburgh.
Portland Winterhawks general manager and head coach, Mike Johnston, was especially excited for Joseph Morrow. Citing his talent and abilities, Johnston never had a doubt about him being signed.
"We're very excited for Joe today. I know Pittsburgh was impressed with him at their developmental camp last month and are looking forward to seeing him at training camp", said Johnston. "His progress the last few seasons has been sensational, and we know
he will continue to improve as he seeks to make it to the NHL".
Already having a father and brother who were drafted by various NHL teams, Morrow has a strong bloodline in the field of hockey, which will surely help him on his quest to hockey greatness.
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