Fan In Van

Morrison In! Who’s Out?

Brendan Morrison will play tonight versus the Los Angeles Kings, the TEAM 1040 has announced this morning. The news comes as bit of a surprise as no one expected Morrison to play until Wednesday’s match versus the Anaheim Ducks, but Morrison now has full range of motion in his wrist.

I never thought I’d say it, but Morrison’s absence has left a gaping hole at centre. Despite Ryan Kesler’s recent success in shutting down top players and scoring a few goals, he’s not a natural scorer and Markus Naslund has attempted playing with the likes of Jason Jaffray to no avail. Morrison’s addition could help spark a few players on the team

The question now is, where does this leave callup Mason Raymond? Unlike Raymond, Ryan Shannon cannot be sent down to Manitoba, as he would now have to clear waivers and would most likely be picked up by another struggling team. Raymond, however, is on a two-way contract and can be sent down. The problem is that there is very little room left for Raymond, a player who should be playing in the top six.

It’s clear that the Sedins will most likely skate with Taylor Pyatt. There’s no changing the Alex Burrows - Ryan Kesler - Brad Isbister line, and Markus Naslund and Ryan Shannon must play for the team. That leaves Raymond either with the option of skating on the fourth line or being sent down altogether.

Trevor Linden and Jeff Cowan will most likely be scratched, and then that leaves Byron Ritchie, Matt Pettinger… too many bodies left.