Jan 26, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris is tripped up while battling with Utah left wing Lawson Crouse (67) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

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Senators Josh Norris Sidelined for Weeks Due to Mid-Body Injury

Key forward Josh Norris faces a multi-week absence, dealing a blow to the Ottawa Senators' lineup during a crucial stretch.

Senators’ center Josh Norris will be sidelined for “a few weeks” due to a mid-body injury he sustained during Saturday’s 6-0 win over the Wild, head coach Travis Green told TSN 1200 Ottawa on Monday. While Green didn’t provide many details, this marks another tough break for Norris, who recently returned from a brief absence caused by an upper-body injury.

The 25-year-old had been performing well, racking up four points in three games since his return, including a standout three-point performance against the Capitals last Thursday. However, this will now be his longest time away from the ice in what has otherwise been a relatively healthy season compared to his injury-plagued past. Shoulder issues and surgeries previously kept him out of nearly half of the Senators’ games over the past three seasons.

The Senators will be without forward Josh Norris for at least a few weeks as he deals with an injury suffered in Saturday's game against the Minnesota Wild.

He took two big hits late in the game and left with about five minutes remaining. He has 19G and 12A in 50gp

-Ryan pic.twitter.com/U7QNTeqn54
— Game 7 Hockey Club 🇨🇦 (@Game7Energy) February 3, 2025

Fortunately, the upcoming break in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament schedule means Norris will miss fewer games than usual during his recovery. He’s expected to be out for Ottawa’s next four games but could potentially return on February 22 against the Canadiens or February 26 against the Jets.

Norris has been a key part of Ottawa’s second line this season, often playing alongside Drake Batherson and, more recently, David Perron. With 19 goals in 50 games, he’s just one goal behind team captain Brady Tkachuk for the team lead. He’s also recorded 31 points, making him sixth in team scoring. His ice time averages 18:24 per game, reflecting his consistent role as a top-six forward and a major contributor on both the power play and penalty kill.

While this season hasn’t been as dominant as his breakout 35-goal campaign in 2021-22, Norris’ return to form after past injuries has been a positive step. Beyond scoring, he’s also been one of Ottawa’s more physical forwards, with 43 blocks and 126 hits.

His absence is a big loss for the Senators, who are in the midst of a strong season, currently holding third place in the Atlantic Division. They’re just one point ahead of the Red Wings and a few points ahead of the Bruins and Lightning in the standings. With their sights set on ending a seven-year playoff drought, Norris’ injury comes at an unfortunate time.

For now, the Senators have recalled winger Cole Reinhardt from AHL Belleville, and Ridly Greig will shift to center the line with Batherson and Perron in tonight’s game against the Predators. Norris could be placed on injured reserve to open up a roster spot, though a move to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) seems unlikely, as it requires missing at least 10 games, which doesn’t align with the team’s current projections.

Image Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Josh Norris

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Anamika Shrivastava

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