The Pittsburgh Penguins have selected Portland Winterhawks defenseman Joe Morrow with the 23rd pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

A smooth skating puck moving blueliner, Morrow sees the ice well and has the ability to rush the puck himself. The six-foot-one defenseman also has a cannon of a shot. Morrow isn’t shy to throw the body around either, and has been known to defend a teammate at the drop of his gloves.

Where Morrow needs to improve is in his understanding of the defensive end. At times he can get running around in his own end and he needs to improve his gap control. Not unlike other offensive defensemen, Morrow needs to pick his spots better when jumping into the play.

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