Other than those connections, the Sabres represent a completely new experience for Norris – and an unexpected one at that. The 24-year-old said he had “no idea” he would be traded by Ottawa, where he spent the first six seasons of his career and played alongside his childhood friend in forward Brady Tkachuk. But it’s an experience he’s embracing.

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.

The Sabres had their own share of quality chances despite being outshot 36-21. Peyton Krebs was turned aside by Vanecek on a breakaway just over a minute after the Panthers opened the scoring. Ryan McLeod was stopped alone in front when the score was 2-0.

Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has been under a ton of pressure in his fifth season on the job. The team is again in last place in the Eastern Conference, fans have been chanting for his job and a handful of his key players were the subject of trade rumors throughout the season.