Throughout the offseason, there were many questions relating to who the Buffalo Sabres would find to consistently light the lamp outside of Tage Thompson or Alex Tuch. One Sabre center, who was acquired a season ago in a March trade with the Ottawa Senators, could fit the bill.
Now Josh Norris, who played in only three games for Buffalo after the trade because of injury, is looking to become a scoring option for Lindy Ruff and Co. In the first three games of the preseason, the center had six points. It's a welcome development while looking for new options.
Norris had a three point performance in 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. It's why the Sabres may have traded for him last March and may allow a trade to pay off for Buffalo. It has not happened often for the organization during the drought where trades have worked in its favor.
The score does not necessarily matter in the preseason in any sport. The most important thing to come out of the exhibition slate healthy and see if their healthy players can help lead them to success at the start of the season. Buffalo did suffer several injuries, though.
Norris followed up his first three games with three more points in two losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Sabres may have fell short in both games, but Norris was a bright spot for an organization looking to reestablish its identity.
Josh Norris' six points in the exhibition games could be a good sign of things to come at the start of the Buffalo Sabres season
Norris is currently under contract after the trade until 2030. It may be refreshing for the team to have a player who could become a valuable asset and to not be looked at as trade bait if the season falters. Too many times, have the Sabres seen ability in a player for five- to six-game span and then traded him away.
Now as they itch closer to the opening game and look to drop the first puck, it will be vital for them to get off to a hot start. A great training camp and exhibition performance by Norris might be the kick in the skate they need for momentum.
Before he missed the final 18 games due to torn oblique, he had two points for the Sabres. Faithful fans caught just a glimpse of his ability. Now he is giving the organization and himself something that no one has seen in Buffalo for quite some time: Hope.