The Panthers have stuck with Ekblad as their primary power-play quarterback through three games since the trade to

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.

A move like this was almost inevitable as the Sens venture forward in their hopes of being bona fide contenders.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk made no secret of his displeasure at the departure of his teammate and friend Josh Norris, who will continue his NHL career playing for the Buffalo Sabres.

After Ottawa sent Norris to Buffalo before the NHL trade deadline, Tkachuk fought back his emotions while discussing the trade.

The newest Buffalo Sabres center Josh Norris arrived to South Florida in time for Saturday’s morning skate. The 25-year-old will wear the No. 13 with the Sabres. Paul Hamilton has more:

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.

Dylan Cozens was a rumoured trade candidate around the Buffalo Sabres, but not many expected the Ottawa Senators to be the landing spot. In a trade involving some more pieces, the leading players in the deal were Cozens to the Senators and Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker to the Sabres.

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.