Josh Norris is healthy and on track to play in the season opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 10.
"[We had] honest conversations [in the offseason] about where he's at physically, mentally," coach Travis Green said of Norris. "And obviously, we'll continue to have a dialogue with him to see where he's at.
"There's always bumps and bruises along the way, especially when you're coming off injury and we'll monitor it daily to assess where he's at and what he needs to be ready for the home opener."
Norris, who missed 96 games over the past two seasons due to a recurring shoulder injury, took part in fitness and medical testing Wednesday at Canadian Tire Centre on the first day of training camp. The 25-year-old underwent the third shoulder operation of his career in March.
"I'm in a much better position than I was last year, so I'm happy about that and I'm just excited to get things going," Norris said Thursday. "I've felt good for a long time now. I'm just happy to be 100 percent and ready to go for camp."
Norris, who had 30 points (16 goals, 14 assists) in 50 games last season, is expected to begin the season at center.
"It's his natural position," Green said. "He's had success at this level at this position. So, I think, to start, it's important to put him in that spot. But just in my conversations without knowing him in the past, he seems very confident and excited to get going and mature, as well."
The Senators are hoping Norris can stay healthy and contribute offensively. He had 55 points (35 goals, 20 assists) in 66 games in 2021-22.
"It's good to see Josh out there," forward Shane Pinto said. "Just to see the smile on his face. Obviously, one of my good buddies. We've been through a couple tough years here and there together, so it's just good to see him out here. It's been a tough last year for him and it's just good to see him out here and just enjoying the game again. I'm just excited to see what he does this year. I know he's going to have a good year for us."
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