An emotional reunion is set for Tuesday night at the Canadian Tire Centre as the Ottawa Senators prepare to face former fan favourite Josh Norris, now of the Buffalo Sabres. This marks Norris's first game against his old team since the blockbuster trade that sent him to Buffalo last March.
The Trade That Changed Everything
It has been 291 days since that fateful March 7, the NHL trade deadline. Josh Norris and then-teammate Jacob Bernard-Docker were told not to take the ice at the Bell Sensplex. Instead, they were called back to the Canadian Tire Centre for a meeting with Senators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios.
There, they learned they had been dealt to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for centre Dylan Cozens, who was returning to Ottawa. The moment was charged with emotion, with Norris sharing tears with former teammates as he packed for an immediate trip to join the Sabres in Fort Lauderdale.
Norris's Ottawa Legacy and Buffalo Journey
Originally acquired by Ottawa in the Erik Karlsson trade with San Jose, Norris spent six years in the Senators organization. His time was hampered by injuries, including two shoulder surgeries, limiting him to 248 games. Despite this, he made a significant impact, recording 95 goals and 168 points.
The 26-year-old was beloved by fans and teammates alike, known for his on-ice effort and his genuine personality off it. A tribute video is expected during a television timeout to honour his contributions.
His start in Buffalo has been similarly interrupted by health. After playing only three games post-trade last season, he suffered an undisclosed injury in this season's opener. Since returning to the Sabres lineup on December 1, however, he has been productive, posting 4 goals and 10 points in just 8 games.
A Clash of Hot Teams Before the Break
Tuesday's matchup is more than just a sentimental return; it's a battle between two of the NHL's hottest teams heading into the mandatory three-day holiday break starting Christmas Eve. The Sabres ride into Ottawa on a six-game winning streak, while the Senators have found their stride with four consecutive victories, their first such run this season.
For Dylan Cozens, facing Buffalo is now routine, having played the Sabres multiple times since the trade. For Norris, this is a long-awaited first chance to compete against the team that drafted and developed him, a opportunity missed earlier due to injury.
The trade analysis continues in both cities. Cozens has solidified his role in Ottawa, notching 16 goals and 43 points in 53 games with the Senators. Some in Buffalo have questioned the deal given Cozens's immediate impact. However, if Norris can maintain his current health and scoring pace, the trade has the potential to be a true win-win for both Atlantic Division rivals.
The stage is set for a compelling narrative of loyalty, change, and high-stakes hockey as Josh Norris makes his anticipated return to the city where he became an NHL star.
