Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brendan Morrison

How Brendan Morrison built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brendan Morrison is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for several teams, including the New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Calgary Flames, and Chicago Blackhawks. His career spanned multiple teams, highlighting his versatility and experience in the NHL.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1992: Played for Penticton Panthers

In 1992, Brendan Morrison played one season with the Penticton Panthers of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCJHL).

1993: Joined Michigan Wolverines

In 1993, Brendan Morrison joined the Michigan Wolverines of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).

1993: Selected in NHL Entry Draft

In 1993, Brendan Morrison was selected 39th overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils and subsequently joined the Michigan Wolverines.

1993: Drafted by New Jersey Devils

In 1993, Brendan Morrison was selected by the New Jersey Devils 39th overall in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft.

1995: Received CCHA Player of the Year award

In 1995, Brendan Morrison received his first of back-to-back CCHA Player of the Year awards.

1996: Canucks reached Postseason

In 1996, Brendan Morrison helped the Vancouver Canucks reach the postseason for the first time since 1996.

September 9, 1997: Signed Multi-Year Contract

On September 9, 1997, Brendan Morrison was signed to a multi-year contract by the New Jersey Devils.

December 4, 1997: NHL Debut

On December 4, 1997, Brendan Morrison made his NHL debut, scoring a goal in a 4–0 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

December 1997: First NHL Call-Up

In December 1997, Brendan Morrison received his first NHL call-up as a replacement for John MacLean.

1997: Turned Professional

In 1997, Brendan Morrison turned professional and was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team as a member of the Albany River Rats.

April 1, 1998: Scored Five Goals in AHL Game

On April 1, 1998, Brendan Morrison scored five goals in an AHL game against the Hartford Wolfpack while playing for the Albany River Rats.

April 1998: Second NHL Call-Up

In April 1998, Brendan Morrison received a second call-up to the New Jersey Devils, further establishing his presence in the NHL.

1998: Secured Full-Time Roster Spot

In 1998, Brendan Morrison secured a full-time roster spot with the New Jersey Devils, contributing 46 points as a rookie.

September 1999: Left for Czech Republic

In September 1999, Brendan Morrison, as a restricted free agent, left for Třebíč, Czech Republic, due to contract disputes with the Devils.

October 24, 1999: Agreed to New Contract

On October 24, 1999, Brendan Morrison agreed to a new contract with the New Jersey Devils after holding out in the Czech Republic.

1999: Finished the 1999-2000 Season

Brendan Morrison finished the 1999-2000 season with nine points in 12 games with the Canucks for a combined total of 35 points in 56 games.

February 27, 2000: Ironman Streak Began

On February 27, 2000, Brendan Morrison's ironman streak began with the New Jersey Devils.

March 14, 2000: Traded to Vancouver Canucks

On March 14, 2000, Brendan Morrison was traded to the Vancouver Canucks along with Denis Pederson in exchange for Alexander Mogilny.

March 2000: Traded to Vancouver Canucks

In March 2000, Brendan Morrison was traded to the Vancouver Canucks from the New Jersey Devils.

2000: Re-Signed with Canucks

In 2000, Brendan Morrison re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks and improved his performance, scoring 54 points.

2001: Campaign Beginning

The 2001 campaign marked the beginning of what was widely considered to be the most effective line combination in the NHL for several years.

January 9, 2002: Joined "West Coast Express" Line

On January 9, 2002, Brendan Morrison joined Markus Näslund and Todd Bertuzzi on the Vancouver Canucks' top line, forming the "West Coast Express".

August 3, 2002: Awarded Contract After Arbitration

On August 3, 2002, Brendan Morrison was awarded a two-year, US$4.6 million contract after winning his arbitration hearing with the Vancouver Canucks.

2003: Recorded Career Highs

In 2003, Brendan Morrison recorded career-highs with 25 goals, 46 assists, and 71 points in 82 games with the Vancouver Canucks.

2003: Registered 22 goals and 60 points

In 2003, Brendan Morrison registered 22 goals and 60 points over 82 games.

March 2004: Bertuzzi suspended

In March 2004, Todd Bertuzzi was suspended indefinitely by the NHL.

July 27, 2004: Avoided Arbitration

On July 27, 2004, Brendan Morrison and the Vancouver Canucks avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal.

September 15, 2004: Signed with Linköpings HC

On September 15, 2004, Brendan Morrison signed with Linköpings HC of the Swedish Elite League during the NHL lockout.

2004: Played in Swedish Elite League

During the 2004 NHL Lockout, Brendan Morrison played for Linköpings HC of the Swedish Elite League.

August 2005: Invited to Canada's Olympic Orientation Camp

In August 2005, Brendan Morrison was invited to Canada's Olympic Orientation Camp as part of the selection process for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

December 2005: Suffered Hip Injury

In December 2005, Brendan Morrison suffered a torn labrum in his hip but played through the injury.

February 22, 2007: Surpassed Trevor Linden's club record

On February 22, 2007, Brendan Morrison surpassed Trevor Linden's Vancouver Canucks club record for consecutive games played, with 483, his overall streak was at 491 games.