Josh Norris

While the Senators have an intriguing top six already in place, it's important not to forget Norris after he played in just eight games in 2022-23. He had three points in those contests before undergoing shoulder surgery in January after failing to rehab the injuy. The center will likely have to settle for a middle-six job in 2023-24, as Tim Stutzle stepped up in Norris' absence last year. Norris could still be a factor on the power play, and his potential as a 50-60 point center should keep him on the fantasy radar, especially once he's given the all-clear in training camp. Still just 24 years old, Norris has got enough room for growth to be worth a middle-round pick even coming back from a major injury. Players coming back from injury are often overlooked on draft day, so try to take advantage.

Buoyed by a ridiculous and unsustainable 20.3 percent shooting percentage, Norris scored a whopping 35 times in 66 games a season ago. He added 20 assists, 172 shots on goal and 23 points with the man advantage. Even with the high shooting percentage, Norris had a heck of a year. He established himself as a legitimate top-six offensive threat for the Senators in addition to proving to be a major weapon on the power play. Ottawa was so impressed they handed the 23-year-old a new eight-year, $63.6 million contract this past July. It locks Norris into a prominent role on what should be one of the NHL's more improved teams, making him a solid mid-round pick in all fantasy formats.

Originally a first-round pick of the Sharks (19th overall) back in 2017, Norris came to Ottawa in the Erik Karlsson deal. After Norris' first NHL season (combined with Karlsson's massive struggles), it's safe to say the Sens won the deal. The Michigan native posted 17 goals and 35 points in 56 games in his freshman campaign, outscoring all newcomers not named Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson. Norris was rewarded by being named to the NHL's All-Rookie Team. He also chipped in 14 power-play points and 72 hits. Norris will play the entirety of this upcoming regular season at age 22 and has firmly established himself as a core piece for an Ottawa team that is stockpiling young talent.

Norris only appeared in three games with the big club last campaign, going scoreless over that span, but he was electric with AHL Belleville, racking up 31 goals and 61 points in 56 games en route to being named the league's most outstanding rookie. Looking ahead to 2020-21, the 2017 first-round pick appears poised to push for a full-time gig with the Senators. If he's able to secure a spot on Ottawa's Opening Night roster, he should see top-six usage while also logging a lot of minutes with the man advantage, giving him enticing upside. Norris' situation will be one to watch during training camp, but if he impresses, he'll be worth a look in the later rounds of fantasy drafts as a high-upside flier.