Josh Norris is one the draft prospects that experts can’t really agree on. He has been ranked anywhere from the first round to the third round and the biggest thing that separates the good from the bad is how you feel about his offensive skill.
There’s no disputing the fact that Norris can play in his own end. He has already drawn lots of praise for his all-around game and most scouts agree that he is a real pain to play against.
Place of Birth: Oxford, MI, USA
Shoots: Left
Position: Centre
Height: 6’0.5″ Weight: 189 lbs
Norris had an up and down season with the U.S. National U18 Team this season, where he finished with 27 goals and 34 assists, and was tied for the team lead in points with fellow Top 40 prospect Grant Mismash. Norris really stepped up at the World Under-18 championships where he finished third on the team with three goals and four assists in seven games.
This draft is low on flashy, sexy prospects but it has tons of depth and players who will become NHL regulars, and Norris is a perfect example of that.
Norris’s father Dwayne played in 20 NHL games for the Quebec Nordiques and Anaheim Ducks between 1993-94 and 1995-96. He also represented Canada at the 1994 Olympic Games.
Joshua has size, and there are no questions about his skating ability. Scouts seem to really like that part of his game. He is also a very smart player.
He had one of the better performances at the Draft Combine. He finished in the top-10 in seven different drills, and was first in four of them, including the agility drills, the vertical jump and the long jump.
He also tested well in the cardiovascular drill and in the bench press.
He is committed to play for the University of Michigan next season, and will continue to develop in the NCAA.
Scouting
“He doesn’t have high-end offensive potential, but his two-way game at a premium position should make him a nice compliment to a team’s bottom-six.”
“He plays of a pass-first game yet can find the back of the net with his quick release and accurate shot. Norris is a player that does not receive enough attention for his strong all-around game and shows good compete and grit to his game when needed.”
ISS:
“Not a lot of flash to his game but is a steady reliable player with very good hockey sense and skating ability. He will play in the NHL but there will never be a wow factor to his game.”
Rankings:
HockeyProspect: 45
ISS: 23
Future Considerations: 67
McKeen’s: 28
NHL Central Scouting (North American Skaters): 34
Craig Button: 25
Thoughts
Norris is a player who some Mock Drafts have going to the Canadiens at #25, and while he isn’t a home run swing, he does have a some potential offensive upside, and the odds are that the Canadiens won’t get a flashy player unless one of the bigger names drop below their ranking.
Norris is a player who fits into a group with fellow centres Ryan Poehling, Shane Bowers, and Robert Thomas. Guys who project to be solidly in an NHL team’s middle six lines. Guys who have skating ability and play 200-feet and have some offensive upside.
He is a player who can be expected to play special teams and be trusted, in the mould of a Mike Fisher or Lars Eller.
It is possible that he is the best player available when the Canadiens pick at #25, but with so many players close in terms of their potential, it will depend on how each team sees each player. A lot of the second half of the first round will come down to team’s preferences.
