The Ottawa Senators are getting a major piece of the puzzle back Wednesday, as center Josh Norris is returning to the lineup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, head coach D.J. Smith announced, per TSN's Claire Hanna.

Norris missed the last 38 games after suffering a shoulder injury against the Arizona Coyotes on Oct. 22.

"We're going to be a different team with him," Smith said. "In saying that, it'll take him a bit to get going."

The 23-year-old projects to center the club's second line between Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat on Wednesday. Giroux, who's won 60.9% of his draws this year, is expected to take part of the load in faceoffs.

Norris led the team with 35 goals last season despite playing only 66 games. He's tallied 92 points in 130 contests across his four-year NHL career.

Mathieu Joseph, who's been out since Dec. 8 with a lower-body injury, is also eligible to return to the lineup but will be a healthy scratch instead.

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