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“I’m really happy that I made this decision. Personally, I just feel like I’m ready for the next level and there’s a lot of opportunity in Ottawa right now. I just want to get my foot in the door and prove to the people the type of player that I am. It’s exciting to chase after something you’ve been chasing your whole life, just like any other kid.”

He said he felt his offensive game matured this past season with the Spartans, producing 10 goals and nine assists in 17 games, after playing a mostly defensive role in 2017-18.

Norris resumed skating and shooting about three weeks ago. He won’t be ready for contact drills during development camp, but should be fully cleared for training camp.

The recovery hasn’t been easy, but he has tried to make the best of a difficult situation.

“It was tough finding out that I needed surgery and that I was going to be out for a long time, but that’s hockey and stuff happens that you can’t control. I’m just very glad to be back on the ice right now,” Norris said.

Senators general manager Pierre Dorion had a long look at Norris during the world junior tournament and was impressed. Ottawa scouts had pushed to have Norris to be included in the deal for Karlsson.

Norris was drafted 19th overall by the Sharks in 2017. He may need time with the Senators’ American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville before making the jump to the NHL, but he’ll only be a phone call away in case of injuries.

“Josh is one of the organization’s top prospects, a fast, skilled, competitive centre who we project to play an important role with our team in the future,” Dorion said in a statement. “In speaking with Josh and his family, we’re all in agreement it’s in the best interests of his development to make the step to turn professional.

“We’re very happy to have Josh signed.”

Signing with the Senators also means Norris can spend more time with his close friend, Ottawa winger Brady Tkachuk. The No. 4 overall selection last year, Tkachuk was quick to tweet out his excitement at Monday’s news.

“Let’s go SensArmy,” Tkachuk posted, also attaching the Senators’ media release.

The two have a long history. They were teammates for two years with the United States development team program in Plymouth, Mich. During a visit to Detroit last season, Tkachuk had dinner with Norris and Quinn Hughes, another USNDTP graduate who subsequently signed with the Vancouver Canucks.