Norris is looking to get past the “initial shock” of being traded, saying goodbye to good friends in Ottawa and having to settle in Buffalo.

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired forward Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker in exchange for forward Dylan Cozens, defenseman Dennis Gilbert, and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the team announced Friday.

When the Ottawa Senators on Friday dealt center Josh Norris to the Buffalo Sabres, they didn't just trade away one of winger Brady Tkachuk's longtime teammates. They traded away one of his best friends.

For hockey fans, NHL trade deadline day can feel like a Bizarro version of Christmas morning—you're thrilled to get that new toy, but at the same time, you're forced to part with an old favourite.

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams made a major shakeup on Friday afternoon, acquiring forward Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker from the Ottawa Senators.

Five years and 341 games later, Cozens has left Buffalo, where he had a lot of close friends and where he wanted to make a difference.