{"id":595758,"date":"2026-06-10T15:24:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T15:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/595758\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T15:24:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T15:24:23","slug":"buffalo-sabres-2025-26-player-grades-josh-norris-the-hockey-writers-buffalo-sabres","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/595758\/","title":{"rendered":"Buffalo Sabres 2025-26 Player Grades: Josh Norris – The Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabres"},"content":{"rendered":"

Though the season hasn\u2019t technically ended, the Buffalo Sabres have been busy. General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen has shown he can be aggressive in pursuing deals<\/a>, not to mention re-signing head coach Lindy Ruff to a new two-year deal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With the draft looming at the end of June, it is time to take a look back at the 2025-26 season. We\u2019ll be giving each player grades<\/a>, and today\u2019s subject is one of the more divisive among Sabres fans. Today, we\u2019ll get into the weeds with Josh Norris<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Production<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he\u2019s healthy\u2026\u201d may become the singular line used to describe Norris\u2019 career. When he was acquired by the Sabres, it felt like the team had upgraded \u2013 so long as Norris could shake the injury bug and remain on the ice.<\/p>\n

Once again, Norris had injury troubles. He suited up in just 44 games, his lowest total since 2022-23 and he hasn\u2019t played more than 56 games in any season since 2021-22. When he was in the lineup, Norris scored 13 times and had 34 points, showing he can be a very good offensive player. But if he can\u2019t stay on the ice, what kind of impact is he having, really?<\/p>\n

Intangibles<\/p>\n

\"BuffaloBuffalo Sabres center Josh Norris (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

Norris was also a plus-11 in those 44 games, underscoring his abilities as a quality two-way center. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Norris\u2019 game is that he can play a responsible 200-foot game while bringing speed and offensive skill at the same time.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s the kind of player that can really play anywhere in the top nine, though given his contract you would hope he can be an effective second-line center at the very worst. The question is: \u201cCan he return to his 35-goal status or have we seen his peak?\u201d<\/p>\n

Overall Grade: C+<\/p>\n

His points-per-game rate is a positive thing, but it is hard to feel good about his 2025-26 season. He was hurt in both the regular season and playoffs, making it feel like a pipe dream that he can actually stay healthy and play the majority of a season.<\/p>\n

When he\u2019s healthy, he\u2019s a very good second-line center that can deliver at both ends of the ice. The reality is that he\u2019s going to miss a good chunk every season, and you have to hope that your depth can fill in those gaps.<\/p>\n

2026-27 Will Be a Pivotal Season for Norris<\/p>\n

This coming season isn\u2019t necessarily a make-or-break campaign for Norris simply because his contract is too big to easily move. The Sabres need him to be a key contributor and can\u2019t afford to work around him if he\u2019s underperforming, especially with Alex Tuch likely moving on<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Another season with major injury woes could lead the Sabres to attempt to find an out. At that point, his value may be so low that the Sabres will need to give him away. It could set back the momentum the Sabres have developed over the last year and hinder the franchise going forward.<\/p>\n

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