NHL: Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — NHL insider comments on Ottawa Senators planning for a big trade. (Credits: IMAGN)

NHL trade rumors: Insider names $63,600,000 Ottawa Senators center as primary target for 'larger impact-type hockey trade'

Modified Dec 12, 2024 10:50 GMT

Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris has emerged as a primary target for a potential trade, according to NHL insider David Pagnotta. Norris is under contract until 2029-30 on an eight-year, $63.6 million deal, with an annual cap hit of $7.95 million. This season, he has recorded 12 goals and 7 assists in 28 games.

Speaking with Kate Pettersen and Dennis Bernstein, Pagnotta talked about Norris as a key player in trade discussions. He confirmed that the Ottawa Senators are exploring roster changes to increase their playoff chances.

"One player that has generated interest and has been a discussion point... is Josh Norris," Pagnotta said, "(At) 25, he's got a term on his contract three more years, and a decent cap hit for his capabilities. Now there's some talk of Chabot and Batherson's names being out there. It sounds like Norris may be the primary guy that they move..."

Known for his two-way capabilities, Norris excels in power-play situations, with 31 career power-play goals and 60 assists in 211 NHL games.

Pagnotta also pointed out Calgary’s past interest in Norris as a potential trade partner.

"Calgary has expressed a lot of interest in him in the past. I wonder if that's an avenue they explore." Pagnotta said, "But either way, you know, Ottawa wants to do something. They know it's time to get things rolling here and get it to playoff contention... this would be a larger impact type of hockey trade if you want to shift the paradigm."

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The Ottawa Senators, currently ranked No. 5 in the Atlantic Division, have a 13-13-2 record. Despite Norris’s contributions, including scoring nine of his 12 goals in Ottawa’s wins, the team is focused on options to improve their standing.

If traded, Norris’s mix of skill, consistency, and power-play production would make him an attractive addition for any team looking for a top-six forward.

Ottawa Senators won 5-1 against the Anaheim Ducks

The Ottawa Senators bounced back after a 4-2 loss to the Islanders on Monday and won 5-1 against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Noah Gregor scored first, putting in a loose puck.

Drake Batherson then scored a natural hat trick. His first goal came on a power play at 11:15 after a video review. Batherson added another power-play goal at 18:25, off Cam Fowler’s skate. He completed his hat trick with a wrist shot at 10:30 of the second.

Brady Tkachuk made it 5-0 with a power-play goal but Cutter Gauthier scored to prevent a shutout. Linus Ullmark made 31 saves with an SV% of 96.9% to help secure the win.