The 24-year-old defenseman, who can become a restricted free agent after this season, is entering the second season of a two-year, $6.3 million contract (annual average value of $3.15 million) he signed Sept. 16, 2018.
"When we spoke after I had signed, I have always maintained I want to be a Jet and play here in Winnipeg, and I'd love to get something done," Morrissey said. "As a player, it's kind of like that you want to go through the process and handle it the right way. I would love to get something done. I would love to play here throughout my career."
Morrissey had 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) last season, tied for second among Jets defenseman with Tyler Myers (nine goals, 22 assists) and Dustin Byfuglien (four goals, 27 assists). Jacob Trouba, who was traded to the New York Rangers on June 17 for defenseman Neal Pionk and a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, led Winnipeg defensemen with 50 points (eight goals, 42 assists). Myers signed a five-year, $30 million contract (AAV of $6 million) with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1.
Morrissey, who was selected by Winnipeg in the first round (No. 13) of the 2013 NHL Draft and has 77 points (19 goals, 58 assists) in 223 NHL games, said he is trying to concentrate on the upcoming season, not his contract status.
"We've chatted a little bit throughout the last couple of weeks and throughout the summer," he said. "I think it's just kind of the process of how it goes. It's interesting that this summer, as opposed to last, you've been through contract negotiations, so you sort of know how it works and it's exciting. But at the same time, throughout that span, I'm really just focused on preparing for the season, and if something happens to get done, that would be awesome.
"I'd love to be here, but I'm sure it'll all get figured out in due time. And when that happens, it'll be exciting."
The Jets, who were eliminated in the Western Conference First Round in six games by the eventual Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues last season, have not signed restricted free agent forwards
Patrik Laine
and Kyle Connor with training camp starting next week.
NHL.com staff writer Tim Campbell contributed to this report
