Jim Morrison’s NHL journey may have only brought him through Detroit for a single season, but he made that year count in a big way.
Morrison, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 94, joined the Red Wings ahead of the 1959-60 season in a one-for-one trade with the Boston Bruins, who received forward Nick Mickoski in return. At the time, Morrison was a 28-year-old veteran with nearly 500 NHL games under his belt - a mobile, offensive-minded defenseman known for his ability to move the puck and jump into the play.
And when he hit the ice in Detroit, Morrison delivered exactly what the Red Wings needed. He led all Detroit defensemen that season with 3 goals and 23 assists - a strong contribution from the blue line in an era when offensive production from defensemen wasn’t nearly as common as it is today.
That 1959-60 campaign marked a turnaround for the franchise. After finishing last the previous year, Detroit rebounded to make the playoffs - and Morrison’s steady presence on the back end played a role in that resurgence. General manager Jack Adams didn’t mince words when asked about the impact Morrison had.
“We didn’t give much to get him, so we couldn’t expect much from him,” Adams said at the time. “Maybe he’d make us a reliable fifth defenseman.
Instead, he has become a regular on defense. He’s paired up with Red Kelly in great style, and they like teaming with each other.”
That pairing with Kelly - a future Norris Trophy winner and one of the best two-way defensemen of his generation - clicked immediately. Adams even credited Morrison with helping Kelly rediscover his best form.
“I think Red is having his best year in two-three seasons, and a lot must be due to having Jim with him,” Adams said.
Though Morrison’s time in Detroit was short-lived, it had a ripple effect. After the season, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for winger Howie Glover. While Morrison moved on, Glover went on to post a career-best 21 goals for the Red Wings in the 1961-62 season - a trade that kept paying dividends for Detroit even after Morrison’s departure.
Morrison’s career spanned more than just the NHL. He was a dominant presence in the AHL, earning eight All-Star selections and winning the Eddie Shore Award as the league’s top defenseman following that standout 1959-60 season. Off the ice, he helped shape the league’s future as the first president of the AHL players’ association - a legacy that extended beyond the rink.
In the NHL, Morrison also suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs and later the Pittsburgh Penguins. After nearly a decade away from the league, he returned in 1969-70 to help the Penguins clinch their first-ever playoff berth - a full-circle moment, as his former Detroit teammate Red Kelly was coaching Pittsburgh at the time.
After hanging up his skates, Morrison stayed connected to the game. He coached at both the AHL and OHL levels and later worked as an NHL scout, continuing to influence the sport he’d given so much to.
From Montreal to Boston, Toronto to Detroit, and finally Pittsburgh, Jim Morrison’s hockey journey was marked by consistency, professionalism, and a quiet ability to elevate those around him. Whether it was sparking a playoff push in Detroit or mentoring young players in the minors, Morrison left a lasting impact on every stop along the way.
He may have only worn the Winged Wheel for one season, but in that short time, Morrison proved that even a brief chapter can leave a lasting impression.