‘It’s an interesting time’: Morrissey on movement of more power for players

It’s a new era in the NHL, where players have more power than ever before.

As we’ve seen in the past few weeks, players have used their status as superstars to dictate where they want to go. Brady Tkachuk decided he no longer wanted to be captain of the Ottawa Senators, and was dealt to the Florida Panthers. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski and Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck have reportedly requested trades.

On a recent edition of FlamesNation’s FN Barn Burner, Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey explains how the power players have in determining where they play marks a notable change for the game.

Josh Morrissey: I think it’s circumstantial. Each of those situations is going to be different for the players. I think the reason that it’s probably more prevalent now is there’s more cap flexibility than there’s been in a long time. Big trades weren’t as easy to come by when you know you had to trade money out to bring money in.

Obviously, with star players, chances are they’re making a lot of money. So, I think that’s probably why it’s more prevalent now than ever before. I think it is an interesting time, and to be quite honest, I don’t really know how it’s all going to go. We’ve seen some guys get traded, big name guys, to certain places, and other guys where deals haven’t happened yet, and who knows if they ever will?

It’s hard to comment on from like an overall theme perspective because I think those situations could be unique to one another. … As I look forward to next season, just want our team to be the best we possibly can, have a chance to win, and that’s all you can really focus on, and control is that. Not what where guys want to go or don’t want to go or how how the league’s evolving. I mean, it does make for an interesting time as a fan. That’s for sure.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…