The Buffalo Sabres continued their winning ways Wednesday night in a huge victory against the Philadelphia Flyers. Unfortunately, they received some bad news during the game. Forward Josh Norris had to leave the contest with an upper-body injury.
This is pure speculation but I heard it had something to do with his ribs. Head coach Lindy Ruff said this morning that they're hoping it's not serious but it's tough losing Norris again. His short time with Buffalo has been plagued with injuries.
The center came back from a different injury on Dec. 1 after getting hurt in the home opener against the New York Rangers. Hopefully this injury isn't as bad and he doesn't miss a ton of time. However, if Norris does have an injury that is long-term, Sabres GM Jarmo Kekǎlǎinen should make a trade.
Buffalo Sabres must make sure they have enough depth to overcome a potential Josh Norris absence
Despite only playing in 19 games this year, Norris has been a bright spot in the lineup. He has six goals but his 11 assists have been particularly useful for the club. If it is an injury that keeps him out for a bit, Kekǎlǎlainen needs to make a move.
Norris is a top-six player and, with how good the Sabres have been playing as of late, it would be a huge blow to the team if it's an extended absence. Even if he's out just for a game or two, Buffalo should still consider improving the roster given his past injury issues with the Ottawa Senators.
I personally don't have a preference but there were rumors that Artemi Panarin was linked to Buffalo. Someone who can score goals and make the team more dangerous offensively would help.
This morning, the Sabres were in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. This year just seems different but if Buffalo wants to make the postseason, trading for a dangerous player, no matter what the status of Norris is, needs to be a priority.