The Buffalo Sabres' success in the 2025-26 NHL season hinges significantly on Josh Norris finding his stride and performing at his peak. After a disappointing 2024-25 season, the Sabres are looking for key players to step up and contribute consistently. Norris, acquired by the Sabres in a trade with the Ottawa Senators in March 2025, is expected to play a crucial role in the team's offensive efforts.

Norris's career has been marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating injury setbacks. Drafted 19th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2017, he demonstrated his potential early on, earning a spot on the 2021 All-Rookie Team and scoring 35 goals in the following season with the Senators. However, injuries have plagued him, limiting his playing time and hindering his ability to establish consistency. In fact, Norris has not played a full NHL season yet, with his maximum games played being 66 in the 2021-22 season.

The upcoming 2025-26 season represents a critical juncture for Norris and the Sabres. At 26 years old, Norris is entering what should be the prime of his career. The Sabres need him to stay healthy and deliver on his offensive promise. Prior to an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season, Norris played only three games with the Sabres. In those three games, he recorded one goal and one assist while averaging a career-high 18:36 of ice time.

There are a few key factors that will determine whether Norris can shine for the Sabres in the 2025-26 season:

• Health: Staying healthy is paramount for Norris. His history of injuries has prevented him from reaching his full potential and establishing himself as a consistent top-six forward. A full, healthy offseason could set him on the path to redemption.
• Line Chemistry: The Sabres hope Norris can center the first line and contribute to the first power-play unit.
• Offensive Production: The Sabres need Norris to contribute significantly to their offense. The team traded away JJ Peterka, who had 27 goals and 41 assists, to the Utah Mammoth, leaving an offensive void that needs to be filled.
• Power Play Impact: A significant portion of Norris's value lies in his goal-scoring ability. In the 2021-22 season, he had 16 power-play goals and 23 power-play points. The Sabres will need him to replicate that kind of production on the power play to improve their man-advantage efficiency.

Norris's contract carries a $7.95 million annual salary until 2030, making him the highest-paid forward on the Sabres roster. This financial commitment underscores the team's belief in his potential and the importance of his performance. After the 2025-26 season, Norris has a 10-team no-trade clause, so if injuries and inconsistent play continue, the Sabres may want to trade Norris to relieve themselves of his contract.

The Sabres' 2025-26 season schedule includes an opening game against the New York Rangers on October 9 at KeyBank Center. Seven of their first 10 games are at home, and they have a six-game road trip in December. The team needs a strong start, and Norris's performance will be crucial in achieving that goal.