Detroit Red Wings
Former Red Wings Defenseman Dead at 94
Morrison was Detroit’s top-scoring rearguard in 1959-60
Jim Morrison’s time with the Detroit Red Wings was brief, but it was long enough for the puck-moving defenseman to make his mark with the team.
Morrison, who died Tuesday at the age of 94, played just one season for the Red Wings, the 1959-60 campaign.
The Red Wings acquired Morrison from the Boston Bruins in a straight swap for forward Nick Mickoski on August 25, 1959. Morrison was 28 at the time, a veteran of 469 NHL games.
He arrived in Detroit with a reputation as a goal-scoring, puck-moving defenseman, and Morrison lived up to that billing once he donned the Winged Wheel. He led all Red Wings blueliners in 1959-60 with 3 goals and 23 assists.
The NHL Alumni Association is heartbroken to share that Jim Morrison has passed away at the age of 94.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jim made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins on November 25, 1951, and would play 14 games with Boston before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs the… pic.twitter.com/X8p2ZlnVqb
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) February 3, 2026
Detroit went from a last-place team in 1958-59 to a playoff club in 1959-60. Red Wings GM Jack Adams felt that Morrison exceeded the expectations that the club set for him upon his arrival.
“Take Jim Morrison, for example,” Adams told the Detroit Free Press. “We didn’t give much to get him, so we couldn’t expect much from him. Maybe he’d make us a reliable fifth defenseman.
“Instead, he has become a regular on defense. He’s paired up with (Norris Trophy winner) Red Kelly in great style, and they like teaming with each other.”
Adams felt that Morrison’s presence in the Detroit rearguard had led to a resurgence in the play of the veteran Kelly.
“I think Red is having his best year in two-three seasons, and a lot must be due to having Jim with him.”
Red Wings Traded Morrison To Blackhawks
After one season in Detroit, Morrison was dealt by the Red Wings to the Chicago Blackhawks for winger Howie Glover. Even in departure, Morrison helped the Wings. Glover scored a career-high 21 goals for Detroit during the 1961-62 season.
Morrison was selected as an AHL all-star eight times. He was awarded the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s best defenseman following the 1959-60 season. He also served as the first president of the AHL players’ association.
The Maple Leafs Alumni are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Maple Leaf Jim Morrison at the age of 94—the second-oldest living Leafs alumnus.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family and friends during this difficult time. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/Oc7CHxmTjF
— Maple Leafs Alumni (@LeafsAlumni) February 3, 2026
In the NHL, he also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. Morrison returned to the NHL following an eight-season absence in 1969-70, helping the Penguins achieve the first playoff berth in franchise history. His old Detroit defense partner Kelly, was coaching the Penguins at the time.
Following his playing days, Morrison coached in the AHL and OHL. He later served as an NHL scout.
I remember when he played with The Wings. RIP Mr. Morrison God Speed
Showing your age. Lol
Unfortunately yes. Red Kelly as well. When I was a kid I had Kelly’s hockey card, not sure if I had Morrison’s
I just started following the Wings in the mid sixties while in grade school.
The Wings a real good team in the 60’s although they never won a cup. Were in the finals several times. but no luck. The 70’s were real bad. I hate to even think of those years although the last 9 kind of mirror them. Hoping for greener days.
Obie your right the 70s were not good. That’s when I became a fan. My fav then was Marcel Dionne. The worst part of that Era was losing Marcel Dionne, Danny Grsnt and Mickey Redmond. Redmond and Grant to career ending injuries . Dionne left in the beginning of free agency to the Kings . We got Terry Harper and 1983 back as compensation. They were good players but not the equal of Dionne. Thats 150 goals out of your lineup. The Wings never recovered from that until drafting Steve Yzerman in 1983. Other Wings I liked then were goalie Jim Rutherford and defman Reed Larson .Lastly Ido remember Paul Woods . He came to the Wings in the first year of the waiver draft from Montreal. Paul was a steady checking forward who could score a few goals too . He then was a good broadcaster for us. Best wishes in retitlrement Paul
Tom losing Dionne was real bad but losing Redmond was also. First 50 goal scorer for the Wings. Could he ever shoot the puck. Even after drafting Yzerman it still took many years to become a real force in the league. Lots of ups and downs. Took Jimmy D and M Illich to get us out of the period. Something we don’t have now.