Sabres' Josh Norris Faces Another Injury Setback
Buffalo Sabres fans have received disappointing news as center Josh Norris is set to miss a "significant amount of time" due to an upper-body injury. The setback occurred during Thursday's season opener against the New York Rangers.
The 26-year-old sustained the injury late in the game against the Rangers after a faceoff in the neutral zone. Norris, after falling awkwardly, was slow to get up but managed to make his way to the bench; however, he did not return to the ice.
Head Coach Lindy Ruff addressed the media on Saturday, stating that Norris would be out for a considerable period. While the team is still evaluating the injury, the initial prognosis is not promising. Ruff clarified that this injury is new but bears similarities to an oblique injury Norris suffered last season.
This latest injury is a tough blow for Norris, who has struggled with injuries throughout his seven-year NHL career. He was acquired by Buffalo from Ottawa near last season's trade deadline in exchange for Dylan Cozens. Unfortunately, Norris's debut season with the Sabres was cut short after just three games due to a season-ending mid-body injury.
"He's pretty disappointed," Ruff said, noting Norris isn't dealing with the situation well. "He put an incredible amount of work in. This is the best summer he's ever had, and it showed with the way he was skating, the preseason he had. It's something that's kind of followed him around". Winger Alex Tuch shared that he had sent Norris a text of encouragement. "Just told him I was thinking of him," Tuch said. "It is tough. It sucks, honestly. There's no sugarcoating it".
Norris was expected to bring additional offensive firepower to the Sabres' top-six forward group. Coming off a 21-goal season in 2024-25, his second-best career output behind his 35 goals in 2021-22 with Ottawa, hopes were high for a productive season.
With Norris sidelined, the Sabres have recalled forward Josh Dunne from the Rochester Americans of the AHL. The team will need to find ways to compensate for Norris's absence.
The Sabres have a little over $2.2 million in cap space. If Norris is expected to miss at least 10 games and 24 days, he will be eligible for the Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). It is likely that the Sabres will place him on injured reserve in the near future, opening up a roster spot.
In other team news, forward Zach Benson was admitted to the hospital due to complications from taking a puck to the face during practice but is expected to start skating soon and may return as early as Wednesday. Defenseman Owen Power, who missed Thursday's game due to illness, has traveled with the team to Boston and may play.
