Josh Norris Bio
Josh Norris is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks and in 2018 was traded to the Ottawa Senators as part of a package for All-Star defenseman Erik Karlsson. Norris has established himself as a key player in the NHL since beginning his professional career in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Josh Norris was born on May 5, 1999, in Oxford, Michigan, United States. He is the son of Dwayne and Traci Norris. Dwayne Norris is a former NHL player, which likely influenced Josh’s interest in hockey from a young age. The family spent a significant part of Josh’s early life in Germany, where his father played professionally, allowing him to gain exposure to the sport in a different cultural context. This international experience contributed to his development as a player. After returning to the United States, the Norris family settled in Oxford, Michigan, where Dwayne coached Josh in youth hockey, further nurturing his passion for the game.
Path to Hockey
Josh Norris first played midget hockey with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, where he began to attract attention for his skills. He joined the U.S. National Development Team and played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for two seasons starting in the 2015–16 season. During this time, he showcased his talent, recording two goals and five assists in 24 games with the under-17 team. Norris committed to play college hockey with the Michigan Wolverines of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in September 2016. He continued to excel in the USHL, graduating to the under-18 team and scoring 12 goals in 25 games during the 2016–17 season.
Josh Norris Career
Early Career (2019-2020)
Josh Norris was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to the Ottawa Senators on September 13, 2018, as part of a deal that brought Erik Karlsson to the Sharks. After leaving college early, Norris signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Senators on May 27, 2019. He began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Belleville Senators, where he had a standout season, scoring 31 goals and 61 points in 56 games. His performance earned him a promotion to the NHL, where he made his debut on February 22, 2020.
Breakthrough (2020-2021)
In the 2020–21 season, Norris recorded his first NHL point in the home opener on January 15, 2021. He scored his first NHL goal on January 19 against the Winnipeg Jets. Norris finished the season with 17 goals and 35 points in 56 games, placing him among the top three in rookie point scoring. His impressive performance led to his selection for the NHL All-Rookie Team on June 29, 2021.
Notable Works and Milestones
Josh Norris has quickly become known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and has consistently been a top performer for the Ottawa Senators. His notable achievements include leading the Senators in goals during the 2021–22 season and recording his first NHL hat trick on April 3, 2022.
Josh Norris Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Josh Norris has received recognition for his performances, including being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Josh Norris Awards Won
Josh Norris has been honored with several awards, including the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award as the top rookie in the AHL during the 2019–20 season.
Josh Norris Family
Josh Norris is the son of Dwayne Norris, a former NHL player, and Traci Norris. He has a close-knit family that has supported his hockey career from a young age.
Personal Life
Josh Norris spent much of his early childhood in Germany, where he became fluent in German. He is known to be a good friend of former Ottawa Senators teammate Brady Tkachuk, with whom he played on various U.S. National Team Development Program squads. Norris continues to reside in Oxford, Michigan, where he maintains strong family ties.
