NHL: Josh Norris wanted to stay in Ottawa for a long time

in the coming years, Josh Norris It will be an essential component of the youthful core of the Senate players who will lead the team. When it came time to sign a contract extension, the young striker’s intentions were clear.

“I wanted to stay here for a long time, but I didn’t know how long yet. I thought an eight-year contract would be great. I love Ottawa and I think we will have a great group in the future. I wanted to show my appreciation,” Norris said when he met the media on Friday. for the city.”

This signature adds to the wonderful summer experienced by general manager Pierre Dorion. With the acquisitions of Alex DeBrincat, Cam Talbot and Claude Giroux, the senators will finally be able to realize even higher ambitions for the years to come.

“We will be better on paper and expectations will be higher. I won’t talk about soap operas, but we will attack day by day. We will grow as a group and it is encouraging to see the pieces in place.”

“Pierre did a good job acquiring important items. It was important for us to keep moving forward and take it to the next level. I am not in Ottawa but through social media you can feel the excitement!”

On a personal level, Norris doesn’t hide the fact that the arrival of a veteran like Jiro could provide him with additional weapons in his evolution. Giroux’s experience is undeniable and the French-Ontario no longer needs introductions.

“It would be nice to have a veteran who has been one of the best players in the NHL for a long time. He excels on the defensive side, has a lot of talent and good leadership. I can learn from him.”

If Giroux’s arrival is beneficial for Norris, he will also be able to bring experience to the young group of Sens, particularly led by their 21-year-old captain, Brady Tkachuk.

“I think we have a great culture based on work ethic and trust. It’s nice to have great players in the group who will lead by example and say the things that need to be said. Giroux and Talbot played for good teams, that will make us better and bring new voices to the dressing room. DeBrincat is also A player who can move into the group. We can pull ourselves in the right direction.”

Last season, the Senators finished 7^e Ranking in the Atlantic Division with 73 points, one point lower than the Red Wings and two points less than the Sabers.