The Senators have moved Josh Norris to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) following his departure from the Feb. 28 match against the Nashville Predators due to a suspected shoulder injury. Norris sustained the injury after receiving a gentle check while skating behind the net, causing him to collide shoulder-first with the back of the net and the center post. He skated off the ice without using his left shoulder, raising immediate concern, especially considering his history of left shoulder issues.
Norris has previously received treatment for this shoulder during the 2019 World Junior Championship, the start of the 2022-23 NHL season, and again in January of the same season, which kept him out for the rest of that year and into the 2023-24 season. Given his past surgeries and extensive rehabilitation for the shoulder, fans are bracing themselves for negative updates on his recovery timeline. Placing Norris on LTIR provides the Senators with financial flexibility moving forward, although no specific timetable for his recovery has been announced.
How the Senators Can Use LTIR Space
With Josh Norris on LTIR, the Senators now have $7.95 million in cap flexibility, providing them with several options to consider.
Firstly, they can utilize this flexibility to call up additional players, offering roster flexibility. Already, they’ve recalled forward Zack MacEwen and are likely to make further call-ups. This move allows them to address roster needs more effectively, enabling them to rotate players in and out of the lineup based on performance.
Secondly, the Senators can explore adding to their roster via trade. Initially considering themselves as conservative buyers leading up to the March 8 trade deadline, recent poor performances may shift their stance towards selling. Nonetheless, they can still use their cap space to acquire players who could help them in the short term or potentially benefit them in the future, such as restricted free agents like Arthur Kaliyev. They have the flexibility to manage the cap implications of such acquisitions in the offseason.
Thirdly, they can leverage their cap space to facilitate trades by absorbing additional salary for the current season. While not ideal for long-term commitments, they could negotiate to take on short-term contracts in exchange for draft picks or other assets, thereby enhancing their draft capital for upcoming drafts.
Regardless of their strategic moves, the primary focus remains on the health and performance of Josh Norris. Despite his recent struggles on the ice, his return to full health and top form is paramount for the team’s success. While his injury timing is unfortunate, occurring during a period of team struggles rather than amidst a playoff push, it could be viewed as an opportunity for his recovery to coincide with the team’s recalibration and future aspirations.
