Scott Morrow’s dominant underlying metrics on the third pair prove the New York Rangers should test the 24-year-old defenseman in a second-pair role alongside Marcus Pettersson. With Alberts Smits and Sean Durzi both sidelined, the Rangers will soon face a tough roster decision once everyone is healthy because there is absolutely no way Morrow can return to the press box anytime soon.
Now up to six games played on the season, Morrow continues to crush his minutes in a significant way. He has logged just under 77 minutes of ice time at 5v5, but considering he was recently tasked with quarterbacking the team's second power-play unit, it is fair to say the front office and coaching staff have changed their perception of what he can bring to this roster.
Morrow's numbers are incredible
Night in and night out, Morrow looks increasingly comfortable at the NHL level, playing like a defender determined to maximize his opportunity. Thus far, he has posted a 66.84 GF%, a 56.13 CF%, and a 60.88 xGF% per Evolving-Hockey. When Morrow is on the ice at even strength, the Blueshirts are scoring 3.08 goals per 60 minutes while conceding just 1.53 goals against—providing an offensive tilt the team has sorely needed.
While it remains a small sample size, Morrow’s underlying impact towers over his fellow Rangers blueliners:
Skater | 5v5 TOI | GF% | CF% | xGF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scott Morrow | 76.92 | 66.84 | 56.13 | 60.88 |
Adam Fox | 336.80 | 54.56 | 50.67 | 58.31 |
Vladislav Gavrikov | 361.78 | 45.34 | 49.97 | 56.12 |
Braden Schneider | 308.42 | 43.34 | 47.96 | 51.55 |
Marcus Pettersson | 352.38 | 48.00 | 46.95 | 49.54 |
Alberts Smits | 239.77 | 46.47 | 45.39 | 47.15 |
Sean Durzi | 228.62 | 42.35 | 48.19 | 45.6 |
Realistically, Morrow is due for some statistical regression; sustaining numbers this elite over a full season would put him in Norris Trophy territory. At the same time, he is unlikely to remain stuck on just one point. The key to his early success lies in his effortless skating, quick processing, knack for hitting open outlets in stride, and refusal to play timidly.
Rangers owe it to Morrow to give him an increased role
Morrow is averaging 13:00 per night on the third pair, and his recent promotion to the second power-play unit will naturally bump his usage. However, the coaching staff needs to test him on the second pair alongside steady veteran Marcus Pettersson. Braden Schneider has played slightly better of late, yet he still profiles as a player who may not be part of the organization's long-term core. He's an RFA this summer and being one year away from UFA status essentially means the Rangers will likely look to move on from him.
Giving Morrow elevated responsibility would provide clarity for both the player and the front office. If he continues delivering strong results against tougher competition, it validates that his fast start isn't a fluke. While it is easier to thrive in sheltered third-pair minutes, New York already has years of evidence showing Schneider struggling in high-leverage situations. They surely can afford the young Morrow the same opportunity.
To this point, the Rangers still haven't seen Morrow's true ceiling. He averaged 15:48 across 14 games with Carolina in 2024-25 and 15:40 across 29 games in New York last season, compared to 13:00 this fall. With Schneider likely on the move this summer or next, and Durzi, a right-shot defender who will turn 30 during the first year of his next deal, having just one year remaining on his contract after this season... evaluating Morrow is vital.
Morrow has the upside to become a younger, more effective, and far more cost-efficient version of Durzi. Now is the time to reward his play with real top-four minutes and see how far his confidence can carry this blue line.
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