What Lays Ahead for Josh Norris and the Ottawa Senators

The Josh Norris Injury Saga Continues

Josh Norris was having a decent season before this injury struck. He had missed the team’s first three regular season games, wanting to be 100% healthy to start. Furthermore, he had missed significant time dating back to last year, and then again throughout training camp which delayed his return. Also, many were hypothesizing that it had a bit to do with confidence as well. Watching Norris this season, it does seem like he has been unable to regain the form, that saw him 35 goals in 2021-22. So far this year, he has 16 goals and 14 assists through 50 games. But more problematic than the production, is that he just didn’t always appear to have the confidence to be aggressive on pucks. Aggression is an attribute virtually imperative to have for an NHL centre-ice man.

What Does This Mean for the Senators at the Trade Deadline

The timing of the Josh Norris injury is what is so interesting. It doesn’t quite make it to the end of the season when he would be eligible for return. For example, he would be eligible 10 games after his last appearance, which was Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. Therefore, if they use the cap relief to go shopping at the trade deadline, it could backfire. They might end up having to put players on waivers then to activate Norris. Players, that management wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable doing that too at this point.

Does it really even make sense to make a trade at the deadline when you aren’t in a playoff race? Probably not, because of the high premium teams are able to ask. Conversely, it could be a great trial for a cheap right-hand shot defenceman. Maybe not someone so high on the trade target list, and would come at a bargain. Lyubushkin would have been an example there, but the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired him from the Anaheim Ducks. Maybe it is time to give someone like Matt Roy or Alexandre Carrier a little trial run, look-see.