The Phoenix Coyotes made the first move during the NHL trade deadline day by reacquiring defenseman Derek Morris from the Boston Bruins for a fourth-round draft pick in 2011.

Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney said he wanted to add depth on the blueline without giving up a lot and this deal accomplishes that goal.

“We are very excited to have brought Derek Morris back to the Coyotes organization,” said Maloney in a press release. “Derek is a talented, versatile defenseman who will strengthen our blueline. His leadership and tenacity will be welcomed in our dressing room.”

Morris, 31, has recorded 3-22-25 and 26 penalty minutes (PIM) in 58 games with the Bruins this season. Prior to this season, Morris spent parts of five seasons (2004-2009) as a member of the Coyotes before being traded to the New York Rangers on Mar. 4, 2009 in exchange for Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes and Dmitri Kalinin. Morris finished the 2008-09 regular season with 5-15-20 and 40 PIM in 75 total games with the Coyotes and Rangers. He also appeared in seven playoff games with the Rangers and collected two assists.

During his tenure with the Coyotes, Morris registered 25-68-93 and 278 PIM in 288 games. He recorded at least 25 points in each of his three full seasons with Phoenix and appeared in all 82 games during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 campaigns. He ranked 2nd on the Coyotes in plus/minus (+8) and average ice time (21:42) during the 2007-08 season while recording 8-17-25. In 2006-07, the 6-foot, 221-pound Morris collected 6-19-25 to rank tied second among Coyote defensemen while his 115 PIM marked a career-high. Morris also served as an alternate captain with the Coyotes and was the recipient of the Club’s Man of the Year and Booster Club Awards following the 2007-08 season. He was originally acquired by the Coyotes on Mar. 9, 2004.

Morris spent part of five seasons with the Coyotes before he was traded at the deadline to the New York Rangers in 2008.

The Coyotes have two first-round picks in this year’s draft and are also in need of more offense so another trade is possible prior to the NHL trade deadline, which is 1 p.m. today Arizona time.

TSN Morris Trade Analysis