The trade deadline left exciting stories for fans and players of the 2024-25 NHL season. Team changes, cycles that end, strong farewells and other situations that add spice to this special moment of the current campaign. In this context, the Ottawa Senators traded Josh Norris to the Buffalo Sabres and star Brady Tkachuk was visibly affected.
Tkachuk and Norris developed a great relationship both on and off the ice during their time with the Senators. Their friendship was forged in the minor leagues and strengthened in the NHL, where they were teammates for five seasons.
Tkachuk showed deep emotion after the trade that sent his teammate and close friend to the Sabres. After Friday’s practice, the Senators star was visibly emotional as he talked about how hard it is to lose Norris, someone on the ice who means so much to him.
Tkachuk’s exciting reaction to Norris trade
“It’s pretty tough. It sucks. Losing a guy like that, obviously everyone knows how much he means to me. I spent the last little bit with him, and gotta take advantage of the last little bit here,” Tkachuk said in front of the press. During the interview, he had to pause to compose himself due to the sadness caused by Norris’ departure.
Josh Norris during his stint with the Ottawa Senators
“Just our history. I’m just keeping it short and sweet,” he continued, fighting back tears. “It’s the unfortunately reality of it being a business, we’re getting back important pieces that will really help us. I feel bad that this is the initial reaction, and of course, I think they’ll understand why it’s a little bit of a whirlwind for me personally,” he said.
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Details of the Senators-Sabres trade
Despite Tkachuk’s reaction, the Senators made a significant trade. Ottawa acquired forward Dylan Cozens, defenseman Dennis Gilbert and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker to the Sabres.
