Role: Defensive Defenseman
Contract Status: UFA on July 1st
Notables: 29 years old, 6-6, 230 lbs., Left handed shot
Season Stats: 50 games played, 2G, 9A, +17, 44 PIM
Playoff Stats: 12 games played, 0G, 0A, -1, 16 PIM
Joey Mormina began his season with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins on a professional tryout (PTO) before being signed to an American Hockey League contract on December 9th. The big 6-6 defenseman recorded a monster +/- in his 2008-09 season with the WBS Penguins at +37, but this season he had to settle for less than half that with a +17.
Mormina has always been known more for his defensive abilities than offensive talents, and this year proved much of the same. Only two goals on the year, but Mormina's big frame allowed him to make a ton of solid plays in his own zone, including some well-timed poke checks on odd man rushes. Not the most physical defenseman for his size, but Mormina was not afraid to drop the mitts when he needed to.
The Penguins need veteran defensemen to fill out the AHL roster next season but I think the Penguins need to pass on Mormina. He has the tendency to take more penalties than some of the other free agent defensemen and the big guy doesn't have the speed and agility to keep up with some of the quicker forwards.
That being said, I thought Mormina was a very capable 6th defenseman this season and a guy you could count on to play solid defense in his own zone, but I think the Pens need to re-sign a more two dimensional defenseman who can carry the play in both zones.
What are your thoughts on Joey Mormina's 2010-11 season and whether or not you would like to see him back in 2012?
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