JUSTIN MORRISON has been labelled a puzzle, a project and almost a non-prospect but he's hoping by the end of this season he'll be known as a big-time power forward and a Vancouver Canuck.

The fourth-year pro is back in Vancouver's plans after almost sliding out of the picture. Morrison has teased with his potential but he'll need to provide a full season of satisfaction for the coaching staff in Manitoba and the front office in Vancouver if he wants to be part of the future.

Things looked dark for Morrison last season and there was plenty of talk he wouldn't be renewed at season's end. But a seven-goal surge in the last quarter left the Los Angeles native with 18 goals and 18 assists, prompting the Canucks to give him one more look.

"I want to be the Justin Morrison that finished the year last year," said the 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-winger. "I don't think anyone on our team had a good season all the way through. It was rough year for all of us and especially me. But I finished strong and I'm coming in with a positive attitude and I've set my goals high. I'm planning on having a complete season."

There's no questioning Morrison's ability. He's a big man and an excellent skater with an impressive top gear. Throw in a scorching shot and this is a player capable of dominating at the AHL level.

There are times when Morrison, Vancouver's fourth-round pick in the 1998 entry draft, is the best player on the ice and able to make one think he's ready for the next level. But there are also shifts where he fades and leave's one wanting a lot more.

"It's been in my mindset all summer long in preparing for the season to really force myself to mentally be ready to play a full season," said Morrison, 25. "I want to raise the bar even higher and maintain that level instead of doing it some nights and not the others. I think I'm more prepared to that this season mentally and physically than I've ever been."

The key to Morrison's success often seems to be his ability to get involved in a game physically. If he's able to finish a check early in a game or drive to the net rather than play from the perimeter, he ends up with a big night. But if he starts the game outside the action he usually spends the whole night there.

"Playing physically is just as important as scoring for me," said Morrison. "Everybody loves to score but I need to play physical and it's one of my strong points. As far as throwing body checks, I enjoy doing it and I think they're one in the same. The more physical I'm playing the more I'm scoring. I have to make sure I'm staying physical every night in order to make room for myself.

"If I'm physical right off the start of the game it gets me into the game quicker and it shows I'm not waiting around for something to happen. Young players tend to do that sometimes, let things come them. But if I'm dictating play and making it happen things open up for me. I have to make sure I do that on a nightly basis this year."

NOTES: The AHL and Rogers Sportsnet announced a 22-game broadcast schedule for the coming season which will including 11 Moose games. For a look at the complete schedule see C8.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca