There have been some painful departures over the last nine months or so but there’s no doubt the Ottawa Senators have this rebuild pointed in the right direction.
A once-depleted prospect pool is now bursting at the seams with legitimate NHLers in-waiting. And while the exact quantity is still being sorted out through the conditions attached to a couple trades, the Sens have amassed an incredible number of draft picks.
They’ll pick seven times in the 2019 draft but it’s in the two following seasons where they’ll really have an opportunity to stockpile talent. They have a remarkable seven picks in the first three rounds of the 2020 draft and 12 picks in all that year.
The last two years have been dreadful and there may be more pain on the horizon in the 2019-2020 season but there are better years ahead.
And while the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins get set to battle it out for the top prize in the sports, the Senators were busy locking up a player they hope will be a key part of their own run of “unparalleled success” somewhere down the line.
Earlier today, the organization announced the signing of top prospect Josh Norris to a three year entry-level contract. Norris was acquired from San Jose in the deal that saw the Sharks rent Erik Karlsson for a season.
Norris will have a chance to push for a spot on the NHL roster as early as next season.
Here’s how Dorion described the signing.
“Josh is one of the organization’s top prospects, a fast, skilled, competitive centre who we project to play an important role with our team in the future. “In speaking with Josh and his family, we were all in agreement that it is in the best interests of his development to make the step to turn professional after two great seasons at Michigan. We are very happy to have Josh signed and look forward to having him here at development camp in June.”
Norris, a first round pick in the 2017 draft, was off to an incredible start with the Michigan Wolverines before a shoulder injury suffered at the World Junior tournament brought his year to a disappointing conclusion.
And while Norris is still on the mend from that injury, he expects to be healthy and ready to go by the time main camp rolls around in September.
He’ll be in town for Development Camp next month although it sounds like the injury may limit his participation.
Norris had an opportunity to return to Michigan for a third season with the Wolverines but it was pretty clear his good friend Brady Tkachuk just wasn’t going to let that happen.
Watching the highlight pack above you can see why Norris has a chance to be an impact player at the NHL level. He skates well, is strong at both ends of the rink and can finish plays around the net.
Some time in Belleville is likely but there’s no doubt that Josh Norris is an important piece of this team’s future.
