Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris will miss “a couple weeks” due to a mid-body injury, head coach Travis Green confirmed Monday.
Norris sustained the injury in the third period of Saturday’s dominant 6-0 home victory against the Minnesota Wild after a hit by center Jakub Lauko. Green, speaking with TSN 1200 Ottawa radio, confirmed the injury but emphasized the team’s focus on their upcoming game against the Nashville Predators.
“I think we’ve done a good job of not focusing in on players that aren’t playing,” Green said. “Obviously, Josh is a big part of our team, but we’re focusing in on the guys that are playing. Any time someone goes out, it’s another opportunity for someone else to come in. [Senators left winger Cole Reinhardt] will draw in the lineup tonight, and someone else will play center.”
Ridly Greig could step into Norris’ role on the second line alongside David Perron and Drake Batherson. The 22-year-old forward has eight goals and 16 points this season, averaging a career-high 16:12 time on ice.
Norris, 25, scored one goal against Minnesota and has recorded 19 goals, 12 assists, a minus-6 rating, 34 penalty minutes, and 43 blocks in 50 games this season.
Originally selected 19th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2017 NHL Draft, Norris was traded to the Senators on Sept. 13, 2018. He made the 2020-21 NHL All-Rookie first team and has since accumulated 154 points (89 goals, 65 assists) in 233 regular-season games over six seasons.
Source: Swifteradio.com
