Chris Higgins will attempt to resurrect his NHL career with the Calgary Flames, signing a professional tryout (PTO) contract on Tuesday.
Higgins, who played the past six seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, appeared in 12 games for the Flames back in 2010. He has 333-career points in 711 regular season games with the Canadiens, Rangers, Flames, Panthers, and Canucks.
Starting the season on the injured list after blocking a shot in the first preseason game of the season, Higgins was a step behind right from the get-go in 2015-16. An excellent role player playing in a middle-six role for most of his time with the Canucks, Higgins found himself in the AHL last year.
Higgins appeared in 33 games last season, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist. In 22 games with the Utica Comets, Higgins put up 13 points (9-4-13).
He was bought out of the final year of his contract by the Canucks in June.
“Chris was a leader in our dressing room and a leader in the community, especially as an ambassador for Special Olympics BC,” said Canucks general manager Jim Benning at the time. “He set a great example for our younger players to follow. The professionalism he has displayed throughout this process highlights the kind of person he is. We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavours.”
Just two seasons ago Higgins was a staple on the Canucks’ second line, finishing fifth on the team – a playoff team – in scoring.
While he’s not a second or third line player anymore, the Smithtown, New York native could fit in on the Flames’ fourth line. If his troubles last year were more injury-based than age-based, he’ll add some skill and checking ability to the Flames.
Of course, he’ll need to earn a spot first.
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