With the start of the new season now just days away, there are still an unsettling number of unanswered questions for the Ottawa Senators.
Okay, it’s only two questions really but they are pretty big ones.
As the Sens wrap up the preseason on home ice against the Montreal Canadiens, the status of two of their top three centres remains extremely unknown.
Josh Norris was again on the ice as a regular participant in the morning skate but he will not play.
There has been plenty of reaction on social media today but it’s worth checking out DJ Smith’s full remarks on the Norris situation. The two things that come through loud and clear is that the organization never expected it to take this long and Josh Norris wants to play.
Certainly a frustration situation for everyone involved.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty around Norris only adds to the pressure to find a solution when it comes to Shane Pinto. It’s been well-documented to this point but it really doesn’t sound like there’s a lot of ‘negotiating’ necessary at this stage so hopefully they can figure something out ahead of next week’s season opener. Although even with a contract in place, it’s unlikely Pinto would be able to jump right into the lineup.
With the majority of the team’s top players playing in their fourth preseason the other night in Winnipeg, the Senators have called up a handful of guys from Belleville.
Here’s how DJ Smith will line his guys up for this one.
Smejkal-Greig-Sokolov
Kubalik-Jarventie-Bailey
Kelly-Kastelic-Fizer
Imama-Ostapchuk-MacEwen
Brannstrom-Hamonic
Larsson-Guenette
Heatherington-Matinpalo
Mads Sogaard gets the start in goal for Ottawa.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 PM at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The game is available on TSN5 and on the radio at TSN1200.
