The Ottawa Senators’ center, Josh Norris, was expected to be ready for the season opener after missing most of the previous season due to a shoulder injury. However, it seems that he won’t be able to lace up his skates just yet. Coach D.J. Smith stated that Norris has been ruled out for the opening game against the Carolina Hurricanes, disappointing both the coaching staff and the player himself. Norris had been slotted to center the team’s top power-play unit and play alongside Vladimir Tarasenko and Drake Batherson.
Norris had an outstanding 35-goal season in 2021-2022, leading to an eight-year contract extension worth $63.6 million. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his progress, limiting him to only eight games last season. The initial shoulder injury occurred on October 22 against the Arizona Coyotes, leading to surgery in February after a failed comeback attempt in January. Although Norris has been practicing with the team, he has yet to receive medical clearance for game action.
The Senators had hoped that Norris would return to full capacity after a few practice sessions and exhibition games. However, his recovery process has been arduous, and he remains unavailable for the season opener. Coach Smith expressed his frustration, as they had counted on Norris to fill a vital role on the power-play unit. The team had not anticipated starting the season without him, yet it seems to be the reality they must face.
With the regular season looming just around the corner, the Senators may opt to place Norris on long-term injured reserve. This decision would free up valuable salary cap space, potentially allowing them to re-sign center Shane Pinto. Although the situation is far from ideal, coach Smith emphasized the importance of fielding the best possible lineup with the available resources. He acknowledged that they have been practicing without Norris throughout the training camp and highlighted their readiness to adapt to the circumstances.
Despite the setback, both the team and Norris remain hopeful for his return to game action in the near future. General manager Pierre Dorion had initially described Norris’ injury as “very minor,” and the center has gradually progressed in his recovery. While there is no definitive timeline for his comeback, the Senators and Norris are committed to his rehabilitation process. In the meantime, the team will rely on the depth within their roster to mitigate Norris’ absence.
The Ottawa Senators will be without their promising center, Josh Norris, for the season opener. His ongoing shoulder injury has hindered his return to game action, forcing the coaching staff to adapt their plans. Although it is an unfortunate setback, the team remains determined to put forth their best effort with the available resources. They may place Norris on long-term injured reserve to create roster flexibility, providing an opportunity for other players to step up in his absence. The Senators and Norris are optimistic about his eventual return and look forward to his contributions on the ice once he is fully recovered.
Leave a Reply