Ottawa Senators: Josh Norris primed for significant season

The Ottawa Senators have a strong group of prospects and one that will be looking to take the next steps in his development is Josh Norris.

Josh Norris originally joined the Ottawa Senators organisation as the key player included in the blockbuster trade that saw long-time team captain Erik Karlsson head down to San Jose.

Norris, who was selected in the first round (19th overall) of the 2017 draft, is a player that could have a significant role in the Senators’ rebuild.

The 20-year-old centre has already shown great strides in his development, playing the past two seasons with the University of Michigan.

More from Editorials

• Ottawa Senators: Something’s Got to Give
• Hot Pierre Summer 2.0? Let’s Talk About The Ottawa Senators Offseason So Far!
• EXCLUSIVE: Making Moments With Senators Forward Egor Sokolov
• Joonas Korpisalo: The Solution To The Senators’ Goaltending Problem
• Ottawa Senators: To Build Or Demolish? New Arena Discussion

After earning an impressive 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 37 NCAA games in the 2017/18 season, Norris took things up a notch after being acquired by the Senators.

In 17 regular-season games, Norris registered ten goals and 19 total points. Had the Oxford, Michigan native managed to match the 37 appearances from the previous season, he would have finished with around 41 total points.

Unfortunately, Norris suffered a shoulder injury on route to earning a silver medal for Team USA at the World Junior Championships and has not played since December.

The injury was a bitter blow for the young American centre, who was starting to progress his development at a much faster pace than the previous season.

Norris now has an opportunity to show the Senators organisation that his shoulder is ready to go, with the promising prospect featuring in the team’s 2019 Rookie Showcase.

Norris is expected to debut in the AHL this season with the Belleville Senators, presenting him with the very best opportunity to impress the Ottawa Senators organisation.

Taking his talents to the NCAA has helped Norris reach this point and the AHL will prove to be a strong challenge for the 6-foot-1, 194lbs centreman.

If Norris is able to put up points, potentially playing alongside some of the Senators’ top young forwards, then he will likely have a chance to demonstrate his skills in the NHL before season’s end.

Starting in the AHL helps Norris to adjust to the professional game and take off the pressure that starting in the NHL holds, allowing him to learn at his own pace and grow in confidence after spending so much time on the sidelines.

Considering his importance to the Karlsson trade, Norris will be determined to impress early on and a significant season lays ahead, with a spot on the NHL roster the potential reward.

What do you think Sens fans? Will Norris adjust well to the AHL this season? When do you think we’ll see him in an Ottawa Senators jersey? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!