Prospect Update: Josh Norris and Rudolfs Balcers

Josh Norris:

Originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks, then promptly traded to the Senators in the infamous Erik Karlsson trade, Josh Norris is a top prospect for the Senators.

A reliable, smart centre playing for the Belleville Senators this season to hone his development, he has taken great strides in his game thus far.

He is only behind Drake Batherson in points on the AHL squad, with eleven goals and ten assists for 21 points in 25 games.

The Senators have immense depth when it comes to the centre position. They have guys like Logan Brown, Josh Norris, Shane Pinto, Mark Kastelic and Parker Kelly, all prospects with NHL calibre skill.

Norris has a chance of making it to Ottawa permanently by the end of the season if he keeps up the great play. There’s a possibility that GM Pierre Dorion will trade long-time Senator J.G. Pageau and Chris Tierney away for future assets.

That could pave the way for a potential stretch of games in the NHL for Norris. He has great hands and his shot is incredible even by NHL standards.

Rudolfs Balcers:

Another piece in that Karlsson trade, Balcers is a winger which is a position that the Senators don’t have as much depth in.

Coming back from an injury, he is having a remarkable season in the AHL. He has six goals and twelve assists for 18 points in just twelve games. That’s 1.50 PPG!

A call up should happen any time soon, the next injury in Ottawa probably. Based on his play from last year, when he does get the much awaited call up he likely won’t be going back to Belleville any time soon.

Last year he had 14 points in 36 games as a rookie, and impressed then coach Guy Boucher with his play. But to be cautionary new Senators head coach D.J. Smith decided to start him in the minors after his long injury.

He should be in Ottawa soon enough.