The Josh Norris Rollercoaster Continues: Latest Injury Update

Following an Insider report two days ago that Josh Norris might actually be able to suit up for the Ottawa Senators as early as this weekend, the centre's rollercoaster ride has now taken a downward turn once again, as Elliotte Friedman has reported on Hockey Night in Canada:

Per @FriedgeHNIC, Josh Norris will skate tomorrow and is expected to be able to "take more serious contact" in the upcoming days.

This would allow the Senators to gauge a timeline on a possible return.

— ONLYSENATORS (@onlysenators) October 15, 2023

Friedman said that Norris will be skating with the Senators on Sunday, but in a non-contact jersey, which clearly means that he will not be available for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday night. 

The hope is that he will be able to "take more serious contact" in the coming days, at which point the Sens will have a better idea on a possible return, hopefully by the end of the month. Fans are perplexed and frustrated with the constant confusion around Norris.

This Josh Norris situation is getting as annoying as the Sens ownership situation

— PrimeTime Sens (@primetimesens) October 15, 2023

The 24-year-old Norris has struggled in his recovery from shoulder surgery which limited him to just eight games last season. In his last almost-full season, 2021-22, he led the Senators with 35 goals in 66 games. He signed an 8-year, $63.6M deal in 2022. 

Ottawa topped the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night, 5-2, for their first win of the young season, but continue to be very shorthanded at the pivot, as they're missing two of their top three centres, with RFA Shane Pinto also sitting out, and now away from the team, still without a contract.

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports