Jets, Morrissey have discussed long-term extension

The Winnipeg Jets and defenseman Josh Morrissey have begun negotiating a long-term contract extension, he told The Athletic's Ken Wiebe.

"We chatted a little bit throughout the last couple weeks and throughout the summer," he said. "It's just kind of the process of how it goes. You've been through contract negotiations, so you know how it works."

Morrissey is entering the final season of a two-year, $6.3-million bridge deal he signed last September. The 24-year-old was limited to just 59 games in 2018-19 due to injury but still managed to post a career-high 31 points while averaging 22:24 minutes per night.

He's adamant about being with the team for years to come.

"I've always maintained I want to be a Jet and I want to play here in Winnipeg," Morrissey said. "I would love to get something done. As a player, you want to go through the process and handle it the right way. I would love to play here throughout my career. We’ll see what happens."

With Jacob Trouba's departure and Dustin Byfuglien now in his mid-30s, Morrissey is expected to take on a greater role on the Jets' blue line this season.

While locking in Morrissey would certainly be a boon for the Jets, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has more immediate business to take care of. Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor are both restricted free agents, and the Jets have a projected $16.15 million in remaining cap space to sign the duo, according to CapFriendly.