Senators’ Brady Tkachuk on Josh Norris trade: ‘Tough day emotionally’
Lost in the NHL Trade Deadline season is the emotional impact deals have on not only the players on the move but also former teammates.
On Friday, the Ottawa Senators traded forward Josh Norris, along with defender Jacob Bernard-Docker, to the Buffalo Sabres. In return, the Senators received forward Dylan Cozens and defenseman Dennis Gilbert.
While the move can be considered important for both teams, there is some sadness around the Senators dressing room with Norris’ departure, moreso with the team’s on-ice leader.
At the team’s practice, Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk was asked about his feelings toward the trade. Tkachuk, known for his fiery personality on the ice, showed some evident emotion about losing not just a teammate but a friend.
An emotional Brady Tkachuk shares his thoughts on now former teammate Josh Norris being traded to Buffalo pic.twitter.com/f8msV3N9Gv
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 7, 2025“It’s pretty tough,” Tkachuk said. “It sucks losing a guy like that. Obviously, everybody knows how much he means to me.”
Tkachuk and Norris have been part of the growing core for the last few seasons, along with Tim Stutzle and Thomas Chabot, having played on the same team for most of the last six seasons.
Tkachuk confirmed he had chatted with Norris after they found out the trade was happening.
“Just spent the last little bit with him,” Tkachuk said, fighting back tears. “Kind of take advantage of every minute for the rest of the day.”
Tkachuk apologized to reporters for keeping his answers short on the topic, but he understood the business side of the deal.
“It’s the unfortunate reality of it being a business. We’re getting back important pieces that are really going to help us. I mean it sucks, it’s part of it. With [Cozens] and [Gilbert], we’re going to welcome them with open arms…I feel bad this is the initial reaction. Of course, I think they’re going to understand why it’s a little bit of whirlwind for me, personally. That being said, it’s all about being a good captain and being a good teammate and making sure that they have everything they need.
Thanks to a more healthy 2024-25 campaign so far, Norris’ production has risen. He has scored 20 goals and 13 assists for 33 points in 53 games. In 236 NHL appearances with the Sens, the Oxford, Michigan native posted 90 goals and 68 assists for 156 points.
The Senators (31-25-5) are fourth in the Atlantic Division, holding the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.