Ottawa Senators forward Josh Norris is set to miss the next couple of weeks due to a mid-body injury sustained during Saturday's game against the Minnesota Wild. Coach Travis Green confirmed the news on Monday, indicating Norris's absence will affect the team dynamics as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Nashville Predators.
Norris, who left the ice following a hard hit from Wild center Jakub Lauko, played a pivotal role in the Senators' 6-0 victory over Minnesota. He had been enjoying a productive season, notching 19 goals and 12 assists over 50 games, including scoring short-handed goals during back-to-back games, which contributed to the Senators' recent four-game winning streak.
At 25 years old, Norris has emerged as a significant player for the Senators since being traded from the San Jose Sharks after being selected 19th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. His track record includes making the 2020-21 NHL All-Rookie first team and accumulating 154 points across 233 regular-season games over several seasons. The team's performance heading toward their game against Nashville is greatly influenced by Norris's skill and contributions.
Despite the setback, Green emphasized focusing on the players available for the upcoming match. "I think we've done a good job of not focusing on players who aren't playing. Obviously, Josh is a big part of our team, but we're focusing on the guys who are playing," Green stated during his media briefing. His confidence appears to resonate with the team, as they aim to maintain their momentum without Norris.
Green has indicated potential adjustments to the lineup, stating, "Any time someone goes out, it's another opportunity for someone else to come in." With Norris sidelined, 22-year-old Ridly Greig is anticipated to step up, possibly playing on the second line alongside David Perron and Drake Batherson. Greig, who has recorded eight goals and 16 points this season with increased ice time, faces the challenge of filling the void created by Norris's absence.
Going forward, the Senators, currently holding third place in the Atlantic Division with a season record of 28-20-4, will rely on the depth of their roster and the performance of all players stepping up to keep the team competitive. Green’s leadership and tactical approach will likely be tested as they navigate this minor injury setback. The Senators will need to leverage their collective capabilities during Norris's recovery to continue advancing through the season.
With Norris’s history of impactful play and current performance levels, his recovery will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. This situation is just another reminder of the physical demands placed upon NHL players and the resilience required to thrive at the highest competitive levels.
While the Senators will certainly feel Norris's absence, his teammates have expressed determination to capitalize on the opportunity for growth and team cohesion as the race for playoff positioning intensifies. The team looks to move forward strongly against the Predators and continue building on their successful season.