Josh Norris was a fan favorite when he was a member of the Ottawa Senators. Norris recorded 156 points in 236 games as a Senator.
Despite the ability to score 90 goals as a Senator, injuries became a serious issue with Norris. One-hundred-fourteen games were missed by Norris with the Senators since the 2022-23 season. This past March, Norris was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where injuries concluded the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Norris had a fantastic preseason for the Sabres with being eager to prove the Senators wrong for trading him away, but once again, health continues to be a concern with the 26-year-old.
Norris injured in Sabres' season opener
Tonight, the Sabres fell 4-0 to the New York Rangers in their 2025-26 season opener at KeyBank Center. Norris was talked about again for his health.
During tonight's game, Norris suffered an upper-body injury that caused him to miss the remainder of the game. After the game, Sabres writer Rachel Lenzi reported that Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said it's "not a good sign" regarding Norris' injury.
The injury to Norris to start the season can be an example why the Senators couldn't afford to keep Norris on the roster for a player making $7.95 million. Now, the Sabres have to deal with the concern of how long Norris could be out for.
Dylan Cozens, who was acquired by the Sabres in the March trade, scored the Senators' first goal of the 2025-26 season. Cozens' goal helped the Senators earn a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Benchmark International Arena.
If Norris is out for some time, he will miss the opportunity again to face his former team. The Senators are scheduled to face the Sabres in Buffalo on Oct. 15. However, Norris' injury could potentially keep him out for some time.