The 2013 first round selection in Morin found himself in a log jam at defense this season, to which he was used as a Left Winger. Now fully recovered from ACL injuries in the past, Morin was mainly used as a defenseman with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and he played well for Head Coach Scott Gordon.
“I think I was the only one in town in October. I think AV was saying that I was working really, really hard to be back. He asked for me for a meeting. He just told me straight up if I could play left wing. He told me about the lack of physicality in the playoffs, especially against the Islanders. The guys were kind of getting pushed around, even against Montreal, and he needed a guy to answer to that.”– Samuel Morin said in January with a conversation he had with Head Coach Alain Vigneault
Morin was back at defense with Shayne Gostisbehere as his partner this past Thursday night in a 8-3 loss. However, Morin played a solid hockey game in 13:02 of ice time, as he registered two hits, and stuck up for Kevin Hayes in the second period after what he thought was a cheap shot.
The 25-year-old in Morin was also fined $3,017.24 for unsportsmanlike conduct with fighting Brendan Lemieux. Morin was trying to show inspiration, and to fire his teammates up for the upcoming game today at 1pm.
As Morin looks for a new contract next season. He moved back to defense and played rather well. He needs to simplify his game puck possession wise, as he is a decent skater. Morin also needs to work on making effective decisions with the puck and this will come with more consistent playing time. At this rate the only thing that matters is Morin staying healthy. The young man is always chipper, and giddy in the locker room.
