The Senators are going to be without one of their top young forwards for the foreseeable future, as the team announced on Wednesday that Josh Norris would be out "long-term" with a shoulder injury.
Senators coach D.J. Smith told the media that it is the same shoulder that kept Norris out for games last season, but a different injury. He is expected to miss at least three months and it would be a "bonus" if the team gets him back at all this season.
Norris injury is different than last time but it could be three months or more. Coach said it would be a bonus to get him back. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) October 26, 2022
Norris and the organization are currently discussing whether or not the injury will require surgery, which likely dictates just how long the rehab process will be for the forward.
It's a massive blow to a Senators team that have their eyes on making the postseason. Ottawa is out to a 4-2-0 start to the season and are averaging 4.17 goals per game, the second-highest mark in the league. With Norris out, that leaves a gap in what is considered to be one of the strongest top-six forward groups in the NHL.
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Norris signed an eight-year, $63.6 million extension with the team this summer, locking him up as a part of their core for the foreseeable future. In five games this season, the 23-year-old had a goal and an assist.
How long is Josh Norris out?
Given Smith's comments on Wednesday, it is likely that we will not see Norris for the rest of the season. Smith said that it will be a long-term absence from Norris and he would be out for at least three months and likely longer.
How long Norris is out for likely will depend on if he ultimately gets surgery on the shoulder. That is still unclear to both Norris and the team.
Who will take Norris' place in the lineup?
With Norris out, that leaves a hole at center on the team's line with Alex DeBrincat and Claude Giroux. There are two likely candidates to fill that role.
Derick Brassard and Shane Pinto are both options to replace Norris. Brassard was skating with DeBrincat and Giroux the same day Norris' injury status was announced. The veteran signed a PTO this preseason and turned into a one-year deal in his second stint in Ottawa.
"His play will dictate that," Smith said on how long Brassard will play in Norris' role. "He was good the other night ... He’s done it in the past and we’re pulling for him to do it now."
If Brassard isn't working out, look for Smith to turn to Pinto. The rookie is off to a scorching start to the year with five goals and an assist through six contests. He's been centering the third line with Tyler Motte and Mathieu Joseph and while that combination has been effective, Pinto would be a much better fit alongside DeBrincat and Giroux than Brassard.
