Josh Norris Suffers Season-Ending Injury
The Sens’ top NCAA prospect suffered an injury at the World Juniors.
The Ottawa Senators’ prospect pipeline took a hit today, as top forward Josh Norris will miss the remainder of the season with an injury that will require surgery. It was sustained at the World Junior Championships, where he won a silver medal for team USA.
Norris to Miss Remainder of Season
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) January 17, 2019
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Drafted in the first round of the 2017 draft by the San Jose Sharks, Norris was one of the biggest trade pieces returning to Ottawa in the Erik Karlsson deal. Playing for the University of Michigan, Norris was in the midst of a breakout season in the NCAA, with 19 points in 17 games, earning him a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award. Along with Canucks defence prospect Quinn Hughes, Michigan is sitting in the middle of their division with an overall record of 8-9-6.
Norris was also one of USA’s top performers at the recent World Juniors, notching three goals and adding another three assists in their seven games. It’s unknown for how long he sustained the injury, although he’ll be taking as much time as he needs to rehab.
The injury may also impact Norris’ status for next season, as the chance of him returning for a third NCAA season seems significantly more likely. It will give him the opportunity to play a full dominant season, before signing a professional contract with the Sens and potentially play with best friend Brady Tkachuk.