Norris is set to return

270 days. That’s how long we’ve been without Josh Norris on the ice in game action. Well the wait is over, head coach D.J. Smith confirmed today that the plan for tonight is for Norris to play at Canadian Tire Centre against the Washington Capitals!

Norris has battled back from a shoulder injury suffered last year, that he first endured in just the fifth game of the season. After initially rehabbing the injury to return in January, he reaggravated the injury in a game against the Winnipeg Jets at home on January 21^st after which he opted for surgery.

The significance of his return is not lost on his teammates and coaching staff. Both on and off the ice Josh makes a noticeable impact on this group.

"He's a guy who can just carry the mail up the ice, he's reliable on both ends. A pure goal scorer so I'll look to set him up tonight. He's just fun to play with, he makes plays he can skate so I'm happy to have him back." - Drake Batherson 

"Being close to him and seeing the work he's put in over the year just to get back and healthy again. He looks great, so as a friend I'm really proud of all the work he's put in and the sacrifice to put his body on the line every day. To go through what he went through last year I think he learned a lot about himself and he's excited to show everybody who he is again." - Brady Tkachuk

Before his injury Norris had established himself as one of the most explosive young centre’s in the league with an incredible scoring touch. Tallying 35 goals in just 66 games in the 2021-22 NHL season, the Senators knew they had a special talent and signed him to an eight-year extension as a key piece to their core

After nine months of hard work and rehab, Senators fans will be treated to the fruits of Norris’ labour. While the team will likely ease him back into his role as a top two centre along with Tim Stützle, don’t be surprised to see Norris challenging Washington’s goaltender tonight early and often, especially when he gets his chances on the power play.