It’s been quite the season for Ottawa Senators prospect Josh Norris, who kicked off his professional career after two successful years at the University of Michigan. Not only did Norris lead all first-year AHL players in scoring with 61 points in 56 games, but he was named to the All-Rookie and First All-Star Teams as well. Today, the league announced what was obvious after those previous accolades: Norris is your AHL Rookie of the Year, winning the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award.
Originally selected 19th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2017, Norris was a key part of the Erik Karlsson trade the next year. At that point, the young forward was still in college and unsigned, but it was obvious he had huge potential as a future top-six contributor.
The 21-year old even got a chance to suit up with Ottawa for a few games, but will still be looking for his first NHL point when things resume in the winter. Whether he starts with the big club is unclear, but Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion did call Norris a “future star” today on a conference call with reporters including Wayne Scanlan of Sportsnet.
I wish he played D so Norris could have a chance to win the Norris someday.
I’ll see myself out now.