Morrison signs multi-year NHL deal with Devils

Four years later, the New Jersey Devils finally got their man.

After selecting former Michigan center Brendan Morrison in the 1993 Entry Draft, the Devils waited and watched as Morrison blossomed into one of college hockey's best players.

And now the Devils can call him one of their own. Morrison inked a multi-year contract with New Jersey yesterday in East Rutherford, N.J. Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello made the announcement.

Terms were not disclosed by Morrison's agent, Kurt Overhardt.

"The important things is that the negotiations are done and both sides are happy," Overhardt said.

Yesterday's announcement by Lamoriello signaled the end of the Devils' four-year courtship of the 5-foot-11 Morrison, which started when New Jersey selected him 39th overall in the 1993 Draft.

The selection came after Morrison's strong season with the Penticton Panthers, his junior hockey team in British Columbia. He tallied 94 points in 55 games, on the team that lists the NHL's Paul Kariya and Brett Hull as former players.

The selection was followed by Morrison's spectacular career at Michigan, where he left his mark as one of Michigan's best players of all time.

Morrison won the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top collegiate player for 1996-97, tallying 31 goals and 57 assists during his senior season.

Morrison capped off Michigan's NCAA championship run during the 1995-96 season by being named the NCAA tournament's most outstanding player during his junior year. His career totals at Michigan consist of 102 goals and 182 assists for a total of 284 points. Both his assist and point marks are all-time records at Michigan.

Overhardt, who had been entrenched in negotiations for quite some time, was pleased with the signing - especially since Morrison can now get down to business.

"Now Brendan can focus on what he does best, and what he enjoys the most," Overhardt said. "He is primed to be an NHL player, and he's determined to do that this season."

And Morrison appears to be right on schedule, as his signing yesterday coincided with the opening of Devil's training camp.

Morrison may be ready to go, but it is obvious that he will have a number of adjustments to make before he ever steps onto the ice in an NHL arena. Nevertheless, Overhardt has confidence in his young client.

"I think he needs to stay on the course he's been on for 22 years," Overhardt added. "I'm confident he'll work his way into the lineup at some point in the year."

Morrison joins former Michigan teammate John Madden with the Devils, who signed during the summer as a free agent.

FILE PHOTO
Former Michigan hockey player Brendan Morrison signed a multi-year contract with the New Jersey Devils yesterday. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.

09-10-97