In a story posted on the Vancouver Canucks website earlier this morning, the team confirmed that general manager Jim Benning confirmed that the club is exploring trade options for forward Chris Higgins.
Per the statement on the team’s website:
“As part of our transition to a younger team, I can confirm we’re exploring trade options for Chris Higgins so we can create more roster space for our younger players to develop. Chris is a quality person who has been an important member of our team for nearly five seasons. Our focus has been on finding a positive new situation for him and we will continue to do so.”
In 25 games this season, Higgins, 32, has just two goals and one assist and is a minus-12 on the season. His ice time has also slipped by about four minutes from his average in 2013-14 to a little more than 14 minutes per game.
Higgins, who is currently in the third year of a four-year, $10 million deal with the Canucks, started the season injured with a fractured right foot. He returned for 11 games, but has missed time periodically since then due to undisclosed injuries. He was a healthy scratch for the Canucks on Jan. 6. It’s unlikely that he will play while Vancouver explores trade options in the coming weeks.
