Buffalo Sabres center Joshua Norris is facing another setback after sustaining an upper-body injury during a recent game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The team has announced that Norris will be sidelined on a day-to-day basis following the injury he incurred with six minutes left in the second period. Despite taking several cross-checks to the ribs from Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler, Norris managed to provide a primary assist on Buffalo’s fourth goal before the injury left him unable to continue.
This latest injury marks a continuation of Norris’ troubled history with upper-body injuries. Earlier this season, he missed 25 games due to another injury sustained on opening night. His history includes an oblique injury that prematurely ended his 2024-25 season, as well as multiple shoulder surgeries throughout his six-season tenure with the Ottawa Senators.
Although the current injury doesn’t appear as severe as past issues, it still poses a challenge for the Sabres as they look to maintain their scoring momentum. Norris has been a vital offensive contributor when healthy, demonstrating a scoring pace of 0.89 points-per-game this season, which ranks second on the team only to Tage Thompson’s 0.98.
This season has been notable for Norris, as he has achieved career highs in scoring pace and plus-minus rating despite averaging less ice time than ever. His effective shooting and synergy with the Sabres’ top stars have landed him a position on the team’s premier power-play unit. With Norris’ absence, the Sabres will have to adjust not only for his role on the power play but also within the top-six forward lineup.
To help fill the gap left by Norris, the Sabres have called up promising prospect Konsta Helenius from the Rochester Americans. Helenius is currently leading Rochester forwards with an impressive 30 points in 34 games. The young forward, who is in his second AHL season following a successful stint in Finland’s top league, may finally see his hard work pay off with an opportunity to make his NHL debut due to Norris’ injury.
As the Sabres navigate these challenges, there remains hope that Helenius can make a significant impact and contribute to the team’s success, further solidifying Buffalo’s depth and talent moving forward.