Senators' Norris out long term with shoulder injury, could need surgery

Josh Norris could be out for most of the 2022-23 campaign - if not all of it.

The Ottawa Senators center is expected to miss at least three-to-five months with a shoulder injury suffered Saturday against the Arizona Coyotes, head coach D.J. Smith told reporters, including TSN's Claire Hanna.

The team is still discussing whether Norris will undergo surgery or rehab the injury, Smith added.

The injury occurred while taking a faceoff, during which Norris' left shoulder appeared to give out.

It's the same shoulder that caused Norris to miss over a month last season, but a different injury.

Norris, 23, is coming off a 35-goal campaign despite playing in just 66 games in 2021-22 and has recorded a goal and an assist so far this season. He signed an eight-year, $63.6-million contract in July.

The Senators acquired Norris in the 2018 blockbuster trade that sent Erik Karlsson to San Jose. The Sharks originally selected Norris 19th overall in the 2017 draft.

Norris and Tim Stutzle were projected to form a one-two punch down the middle of the ice for the Senators this season, but the injury has derailed those plans.

In the meantime, veteran Derick Brassard has taken Norris' spot on the second line between newcomers Alex DeBrincat and Claude Giroux. But third-line center Shane Pinto could see an increased role, especially considering his torrid start to the campaign with five goals in six games.