Norris admitted that the season-ending injury he sustained during the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship as a member of Team USA was a bit of a factor in his decision but ultimately he felt ready to take the next step in his career.
"It was hard, I'm not going to lie," Norris said about leaving Michigan. "Obviously my injury had a little bit of influence on the decision and was something I had to take into consideration. I have a lot of great people around me who are so supportive, not only hockey-wise but off the ice too and we all thought that it would be best for me to turn pro. I'm really happy that I've made this decision now."
Norris had a strong start to his second season in the NCAA, compiling 19 points (10G, 9A) in 17 GP before being sidelined at the World Juniors in January. Now with the Senators in the midst of a rebuild, the time seemed right for Norris to join the bevvy of other young players in Ottawa and Belleville following his shortened sophomore season with the Wolverines.
"I feel like I'm ready for the next level," he said. "There a lot of opportunity with the Senators right now and I just want to get my foot in the door and prove to people the type of player that I am. It's exciting to chase after something that you've been working towards your whole life."
While Norris has some existing relationships with a few current Senators, including Colin White and Christian Wolanin, it's his long-time friendship with Brady Tkachuk that he is most excited about rekindling in Ottawa.
"He was one of the first people I talked to when I got traded," Norris recalled after being acquired by the Senators from the San Jose Sharks on Sept. 18th, 2018. "We keep in contact a lot so now that it's official, it's very exciting to be a part of an organization with your best friend."