‘He sees the game differently’: Morrissey on playing with Hellebuyck in the AHL

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is one of the top goaltenders in all of hockey. One guy who knows him better than anyone is longtime teammate Josh Morrissey.

The two have been in the Jets system for well over a decade, both breaking into the pro ranks when the team’s American Hockey League affiliate was in St. John’s, N.L. Since then, the two have helped the Jets make it to the Western Conference Final in 2018, as well as winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25, accomplishing the feat for the first time in franchise history.

On a recent episode of FlamesNation’s FN Barn Burner, Morrissey explains what makes Hellebuyck such a unique and talented goaltender, something he noticed early in his pro career.

Josh Morrissey: Everyone was talking about his college career…He was [in St. John’s and Manitoba] for a little bit before actually going to the [IIHF Men’s World Championship]…Instantly, you’re like, ‘obviously big guy.’ His angles were great immediately. Looking back…if someone said, ‘I’ll bet you $20 Hellebuyck’s gonna win, I guess, three Vezinas now, and he’s not even done yet. The Olympic gold…also the Jennings, and just if you look at some of the advanced stats around his game too. I mean, he’s been incredible.

So, anyway, I think I don’t know if I would have…I probably would have taken that bet on the other side, just because…there’s not many guys that have done that in the history of the game. I think what always stuck out to me, looking back at Helly and his greatness…He sees the game differently than any other goalie I’ve ever talked to, and his mindset around the game…He’s a very confident guy, but he’s very confident in what he does. Works hard, but has this conviction in what he has to do to be great.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…