WINNIPEG — Back when he coached the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Jets assistant coach Marty Johnston predicted the current performance of Morgan Barron.
In late March 2022, Barron, who had recently joined Winnipeg nine days prior in the Andrew Copp trade, finished a two-game series against the Laval Rocket with a goal, an assist, and nine shots. The tall forward impressed in both games, impacting all areas of the ice.
“It’s a positive sign for Winnipeg Jets fans,” Johnston commented at the time. “He possesses significant potential.”
Three years later, we are witnessing Barron`s potential as a top-tier bottom-six center.
This isn`t entirely unexpected, as the 26-year-old has established himself as a reliable bottom-six winger and penalty killer over the past two seasons. However, since transitioning to the team`s fourth-line center after the trade deadline, Barron’s performance has noticeably improved.
“I feel I’m currently playing my best hockey this season,” Barron stated following Monday’s 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues, where he scored the game`s first goal.
In 15 games as a center, Barron has tallied two goals and six points. During his five-on-five play, Winnipeg has significantly outshot opponents in high-danger scoring chances (35-21).
“He’s always mentioned he’s a natural center. I believe everyone considers themselves a center when they play in junior leagues or college,” Jets coach Scott Arniel remarked with a smile.
While Arniel`s remark about Barron`s comfort at center was somewhat playful, his transition to the position has been smooth.
He embodies the modern ideal for a bottom-six center – skilled in faceoffs (52.2% win rate), forechecking, and maintaining puck possession in the offensive zone. Furthermore, he combines these hardworking attributes with exceptional speed.
“You need players like that driving through the middle,” said Jets forward Kyle Connor.
Monday’s goal perfectly illustrates this: Barron outpaced Blues forward Mathieu Joseph, cut inside, and lifted the puck past Joel Hofer, giving Winnipeg an early 1-0 lead in the second period.
“I appreciate that move, instead of retreating behind the net, Barron extends his leg and drives to the inside,” Arniel noted.
According to data from AllThreeZones.com, Barron is in the 97th percentile for Zone Entries per 60 minutes (25.73) among forwards with at least 100 minutes played this season.
Earlier in the season, Rasmus Kupari`s speed enhanced the team’s fourth line. However, unlike Kupari, Barron adopts a more direct, linear playing style. He quickly moves towards the inside, and once in the zone, he uses his size and strong stickhandling to prolong plays along the boards.
Despite having only five playoff games under his belt – and little to show for it, except for the noticeable scar from a skate accident in 2023 – Barron appears ready to be an impactful player when critical playoff games begin.
