Sabres’ Josh Norris leaves game against Rangers with injury

Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Norris left the team’s game on Thursday night against the New York Rangers with an upper-body injury.

Norris took a faceoff in the third period and appeared to be in some serious discomfort.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff didn’t seem optimistic about the centerman’s injury after the game, saying, ““He didn’t finish the game… so I’m gonna say that’s not a good sign.”

Norris has dealt with quite a few injuries in his NHL career. After being dealt to the Sabres at the NHL trade deadline last year, Norris dealt with a soft tissue injury that prevented him from finishing the season. He dealt with multiple shoulder surgeries during his time with the Ottawa Senators, as well as a handful of other ailments.

The 26-year-old has played just four games with the Sabres since getting acquired back on March 6, 2025 – leaving two of them. Norris hasn’t played more than 60 games since the 2021-22 season, which was his second full season in the NHL.

When healthy, Norris has proven to be a valuable performer. He had two points in three games with the Sabres last year, and another 20 goals and 33 points in 53 games with Ottawa. Drafted 19th overall in 2017, the former University of Michigan standout has 91 goals and 158 points in 240 games over seven seasons.

The Sabres entered Thursday’s bout missing Owen Power, Zach Benson, Michael Kesselring, Jordan Greenway and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. While Norris’ long-term situation isn’t clear, there is hope that Zach Benson could find his way back onto Buffalo’s top line this weekend.

This Jets/Stars game is crazy will look to avenge their 4-0 shutout loss to the Rangers when they take on the Boston Bruins on Saturday. They’ll head back home on Monday for a three-game home stand, welcoming Colorado, Ottawa, and Florida to the KeyBank Center.