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Matthew Highmore

Senators Recall Matthew Highmore And Zack MacEwen

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The Ottawa Senators have recalled forwards Matthew Highmore and Zack MacEwen from the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League (Twitter link). The recalls come on the heels of the Senators getting booed off the ice last night at home after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres.

Highmore has yet to see NHL action this season but did dress in seven NHL games last season for the Senators, posting two assists. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native has played 146 career NHL games in parts of six seasons with four NHL franchises. The undrafted 28-year-old has put up some productive AHL seasons with his best coming in 2022-23 while he was part of the St. Louis Blues organization. Highmore posted 19 goals and 42 assists with their AHL affiliate the Springfield Thunderbirds but could not carry any of that momentum into the NHL as he went scoreless in two games with the Blues that season.

The 28-year-old MacEwen cleared waivers over a month ago and has split this season between Belleville and Ottawa. While he hasn’t produced much offense for the Senators with two goals and an assist in 19 games.  However, those numbers already match last year’s totals, which took MacEwen 30 games to reach. MacEwen’s underlying numbers have also been much better this season, but he has benefitted from more favorable deployment (63.4% offensive zone starts) and a PDO that is 3.6 points higher than last year’s number.

Senators Reassign Matthew Highmore

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Oct. 22: Highmore has cleared waivers and will be on his way to Belleville, per Friedman.

Oct. 21: Senators depth forward Matthew Highmore is on the waiver wire today, reports Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. That’s a sign he’s ready to return from an upper-body injury sustained late in preseason that landed him on season-opening injured reserve.

If he clears, he’ll head to AHL Belleville. That’s where the 28-year-old spent most of last season, serving as an alternate captain while recording 31 points (9 G, 22 A) in 43 appearances. That was enough for the Sens, who initially signed Highmore to a two-way deal in free agency in the summer of 2023, to offer him a one-year extension to remain in the organization for 2024-25. The two contracts are identical, paying him $775K in the NHL and $400K in the AHL.

Highmore has 146 NHL appearances under his belt, seven of which came in an Ottawa sweater last season. He can play any forward position, although he’s stuck mainly on the wings at the game’s highest level. A fine fourth-line presence and fringe penalty killer, Highmore has 29 career points (12 G, 17 A) with a -8 rating and averaged 11:22 per game. He’s seen much more success offensively in the minors, where he’s got 59 goals and 97 assists for 156 points in 208 career AHL games. He’s also suited up for the Blackhawks, Blues, and Canucks organizations since signing as an undrafted free agent with Chicago out of QMJHL Saint John in 2017.

Per PuckPedia, the Nova Scotia native currently counts $238,151 against the cap while on SOIR. That will be wiped out tomorrow, whether he’s claimed by another team or clears waivers and is assigned to the B-Sens.

Senators Place Matthew Highmore On SOIR, Return Carter Yakemchuk To Juniors

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The Senators have placed left winger Matthew Highmore on season-opening injured reserve, according to the NHL’s media portal (via Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch). The team also announced that top defense prospect Carter Yakemchuk is headed back to juniors with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen after nearly cracking Ottawa’s roster on his first try. The moves indicate that center prospect Zack Ostapchuk and left-shot defender Tyler Kleven will open the season on the NHL roster, although Garrioch adds they’re likely in the market to claim another left-shot defender off waivers today to fill their open roster spot.

Highmore sustained an upper-body injury during Saturday’s exhibition game against the Canadiens. The club hasn’t given him an injury designation, but he will be out at least until the weekend. He was a likely candidate for waivers and subsequent assignment to AHL Belleville, but those moves have to wait until he’s cleared to return to play. Instead, he’ll open the season on SOIR since he’s on a two-way contract and was rostered for fewer than 50 games last year. He’ll carry a cap hit of $238,151 for the Sens in the meantime, per PuckPedia.

Highmore, 28, is no longer the full-time NHLer he was around the pandemic but is a serviceable call-up option and a top-six AHL fixture. He has 12 goals and 29 points in 146 career NHL contests, although he’s played in nine games over the past two seasons. Seven of those came with Ottawa last year, posting two assists while averaging 7:43 per game. He signed a one-year, two-way extension ($775K/$400K) in June to avoid free agency and remain with the Sens after posting 31 points in 43 games for Belleville.

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old Yakemchuk is ticketed for a big season with the Hitmen after an impressive preseason performance. The seventh overall pick in this year’s draft erupted for seven points (2 G, 5 A) in four preseason contests with Ottawa. A WHL All-Star last season, he led the league in goals from a defenseman with 30 in 66 games for Calgary. The 6’3″, 203-lb defender already has pro-ready size at 6’3″ and 203 lbs and is no stranger to laying the body, leading the Hitmen with 120 PIMs last year. He’s likely penciled in for the Sens’ opening night roster next season. This year, though, his entry-level contract will slide to 2025-26 and leave the Sens with an extra spot under their 50-contract limit.

Senators Sign Matthew Highmore To One-Year Extension

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June 27: The Sens confirmed the details of Highmore’s extension in a media release Thursday.

June 26: According to PuckPedia, the Ottawa Senators have re-signed forward Matthew Highmore to a one-year extension. The deal will pay Highmore an AAV of $775K at the NHL level and $400K at the AHL level. It will be Highmore’s eighth year at the professional level and his second straight season with the Senators organization.

Despite a flurry of injuries to their forward core throughout the regular season, Ottawa only recalled Highmore to play seven games for the team this past season. Highmore tallied two assists while averaging less than eight minutes of ice time per night during those seven contests. For the most part, as he’s largely done for much of his career, Highmore suited up for the Senators’ AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators.

Suiting up in 43 games for the AHL Senators, Highmore scored nine goals and 31 points over 43 games which was good for sixth on the team in scoring. On this new contract, it is more than likely that Highmore will start the year in the AHL but serve as a potential depth option if the forward group succumbs to injury.

Throughout this career, in addition to the Senators, Highmore has suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, and St. Louis Blues, totaling 12 goals and 29 points over 146 games. Garnering much more experience at the AHL level, Highmore has scored 59 goals and 156 points in 208 games over five seasons.

East Notes: Kane, Pacioretty, Highmore

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It was only a few months ago that we were talking about Patrick Kane’s free agency before he signed a one-year, $2.5MM contract with Detroit in late November.  Now less than three months out from testing the open market again, the veteran told reporters including MLive’s Ansar Khan that he’s not concerned about his next deal just yet:

Obviously, it’s in the back of your mind. Right now, it’s more about being in the moment, being here with this team and trying to get in the playoffs. I think just with the situation I was in and coming in and being here for maybe three-quarters of the season, it’s just this year and then we’ll see what happens. Hopefully all that stuff figures itself out.

The contract has worked out well for both sides.  Kane is averaging nearly a point per game, notching 20 goals and 26 assists in 48 appearances.  That’s a strong return on Detroit’s investment while Kane has demonstrated that he has fully recovered from his hip resurfacing surgery which should put him in a better position for a pricier multi-year deal in July.  Whether that deal comes with the Red Wings or not will have to wait a little while longer.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference:

  • When Capitals winger Max Pacioretty didn’t move at the trade deadline, it came as somewhat of a surprise. Speaking with Sammi Silber of The Hockey News, the 35-year-old outlined his reasons for not waiving his NTC.  On top of staying close to his family, the veteran has enjoyed playing a notable role after missing so much time the last couple of years; it’s quite likely his role would have been more limited had he accepted a move.  Pacioretty has just four goals in 45 games this season but has added 19 assists while averaging over 14 minutes a night.  He’s certainly playing in meaningful games too with Washington in the thick of the race for the final playoff spots in the East.
  • After Saturday’s victory over Montreal, the Senators announced (Twitter link) that forward Matthew Highmore was assigned to AHL Belleville. The 28-year-old missed a little more than a month with an upper-body injury but returned to practice yesterday and has been given the green light to return.  Highmore has played in seven games with Ottawa this season, picking up two assists while adding 29 points in 40 appearances with Belleville, a team that is right in the thick of the playoff race in the AHL’s North Division.

Atlantic Notes: Husso, Motte, Maple Leafs, Highmore

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Ville Husso’s conditioning stint isn’t exactly going as planned.  The Red Wings sent the netminder down to AHL Grand Rapids earlier this week to get him some game action.  However, as MLive’s Tyler Kuehl details, Husso left during the pregame warm-up on Friday night and ultimately didn’t dress for the contest which suggests he either re-aggravated his lower-body injury or sustained some other injury.  There was no update on Husso’s status following the game but at the moment, it’s fair to say that Detroit can’t be counting on the 29-year-old to return down the stretch.  Husso has struggled when he has played with the Red Wings this season, posting a 3.55 GAA with a save percentage of just .892 in 19 appearances.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic:

  • Lightning winger Tyler Motte is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, relays Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times. He left Thursday’s game after blocking a shot and did not return.  While he might not be back for Tampa Bay’s final regular season contests, the injury is not expected to prevent him from being available for the playoffs which kick off next weekend.  Motte has played in 69 games this season, notching six goals and three assists along with 97 hits.
  • Despite missing Friday’s practice with an undisclosed injury, Maple Leafs center Max Domi will play tonight against Detroit, notes David Alter of The Hockey News (Twitter link). The 29-year-old is just one of two Toronto players who have played in every game this season (William Nylander is the other).  Domi has picked up 47 points in 79 games so far.  Meanwhile, Alter adds that defenseman Joel Edmundson won’t play tonight; head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated that “something popped up” regarding the veteran.  Edmundson has been limited to just eight appearances with Toronto since being acquired last month at the trade deadline.
  • Senators forward Matthew Highmore took part in a full practice today, reports Sportsnet’s Wayne Scanlan (Twitter link). The 28-year-old has missed a little more than a month with an upper-body injury.  Highmore has played in seven games with Ottawa this season, picking up two assists but won’t suit up tonight despite having the full game-day skate.  The pending unrestricted free agent also has 29 points in 40 appearances with AHL Belleville.

Senators Expected To Scratch Vladimir Tarasenko For Trade-Related Reasons

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The Senators will likely scratch pending UFA winger Vladimir Tarasenko for trade-related reasons Wednesday against the Ducks, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports. Ottawa recalled winger Matthew Highmore from AHL Belleville in a corresponding transaction, a team announcement states.

In recent days, Tarasenko has generated interest from multiple teams. The Bruins, Oilers, Golden Knights, Hurricanes, Panthers, and Rangers have all inquired about picking him up before Friday’s trade deadline, Garrioch said Monday.

His one-year, $5MM contract contains a no-trade clause, so he can block a trade to any team he chooses. Per Garrioch, Tarasenko reportedly prefers the defending Eastern Conference champion Panthers as his post-deadline home, but it doesn’t appear he’ll force his way into a move to South Florida if another contender serves up an offer more to Sens GM Steve Staios’ liking.

Tarasenko, 32, has picked things up after a slow start in the Canadian capital, posting 17 goals, 24 assists and 41 points in 57 games. His 0.72 points per game matches last season’s rate split between the Blues and Rangers, albeit in a little less ice time. Tarasenko’s averaging 16:03 per game, his lowest usage in 10 years.

Interestingly, he’s been a much-improved player at controlling possession quality from his later days in St. Louis. He has a 0.2 expected rating, his first time in the black in an entire season since winning the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019.

As such, Ottawa will follow in the footsteps of the Kraken (Alexander Wennberg) and Coyotes (Jason Zucker) and scratch their most likely trade asset to avoid a pre-deadline injury. Tarasenko, who has four points in his last four games, will be a scratch for the first time since taking a brief personal leave in December.

He’ll be replaced in the lineup by the 28-year-old Highmore, who comes up from Belleville for the third time this season. The Nova Scotia-born winger made six appearances for the Sens in November and December, recording an assist, a -1 rating and one shot on goal while averaging a career-low 7:59 per game.

The former Blackhawks, Blues and Canucks depth forward is in his first season in Ottawa after inking a one-year, two-way deal ($775K NHL/$400K AHL) on July 1 last year. He’s spent most of the year with Belleville, scoring nine goals and adding 20 assists for 29 points in 40 games. It’s a significant step back from last year’s minor-league showing when he posted 61 points in 68 games with St. Louis’ affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

As long as Highmore’s recall lasts under 10 days and sees him play four games or less, he won’t need waivers to return to the B-Sens. He’ll likely factor in on Ottawa’s fourth line tonight with Mark Kastelic and Parker Kelly. Zack MacEwen, who was quietly moved to injured reserve yesterday, per CapFriendly, is out with a lower-body injury.

Ottawa Senators Send Matthew Highmore To AHL

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Earlier this morning, the Ottawa Senators announced they would be sending forward Matthew Highmore to their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. Highmore had previously been recalled twice in November, tallying one assist in six games for Ottawa.

In his first season with the Senators organization, Highmore is following up on a very productive season spent with the St.Louis Blues organization last year. Playing in only two NHL games, Highmore was extremely productive for the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, scoring 19 goals and 42 assists in 68 games, which would be good for second on the team in total scoring.

Aside from last season in the AHL, Highmore has been a milder scorer at the professional level, and purely a depth forward at the NHL level. Back in the 2021-22 season spent with the Vancouver Canucks, Highmore scored five goals and seven assists in 46 games played, which still holds up as his best career season to date.

Nevertheless, the demotion of Highmore is likely meant to clear cap space, as Ottawa will be expecting back forward Ridly Greig as soon as next week. Greig currently sits on the Senators’ long-term injured reserve after suffering a lower-body injury on November 2nd. Before the injury, Greig scored two goals and five assists in nine games, and still sits 10th on the team in scoring, despite missing a month of action.

Senators Recall Matthew Highmore, Mads Søgaard

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The Ottawa Senators recalled forward Matthew Highmore and goaltender Mads Søgaard from AHL Belleville on Friday morning, per a team release. Highmore was brought up on a traditional recall, while Søgaard’s recall is under emergency conditions.

That’s because Senators starter Joonas Korpisalo is not ready to return from an undisclosed injury and will miss today’s game against the Islanders. Søgaard, who was already ferried up and down last week due to the team’s trip to Stockholm for the NHL Global Series, will likely serve as the backup to Anton Forsberg in today’s contest.

Søgaard, the 22-year-old Dane, was selected 37th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft and is still viewed as the Senators’ netminder of the future. He carries an absolutely massive frame at 6-foot-8 and nearly 200 pounds that’s translated into some strong numbers.

Now in his fourth pro season, Søgaard is off to his best start yet. In eight games with Belleville, he’s recorded a strong 2.35 GAA, .923 SV%, one shutout, and a 4-3-0 record.

Søgaard got an extended NHL look last season, starting 17 games in the wake of injuries to both Forsberg and former Senator Cam Talbot. Across 19 NHL starts and 21 total appearances over the last two seasons, he’s posted a 9-7-3 record, .889 SV%, and 3.30 GAA. There’s certainly room for technical improvement in his game – he won’t reach his ceiling in the NHL just based on his size.

Meanwhile, Highmore returns to the Senators’ roster on his second recall of the month. He skated in three games earlier this month, recording one assist and averaging only 7:59 per game.

Highmore could draw into the lineup in today’s game, but it’s not a guarantee. With him on the roster, Ottawa has 13 healthy forwards. Ridly Greig and Mark Kastelic remain out of the lineup and on injured reserve.

The 27-year-old is in his first season with the Senators organization after inking a one-year, two-way deal in free agency last summer. He’s notched seven points and a -9 rating through nine games with Belleville this season. A veteran of over 140 NHL games, he’s a rather experienced option to come up from the minors and slide into the Senators’ bottom six.

Ottawa Senators Assign Three Players To AHL

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In order to keep both roster and salary cap flexibility over the next several days following their games in Sweden, the Ottawa Senators announced they have sent defensemen Tyler Kleven and Jacob Larsson, as well as forward Matthew Highmore to their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators.

The team did manage to salvage two wins during their overseas trip, defeating the Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild, with Highmore being only one of the trio to make an appearance during the games. In just under six minutes of ice time against Detroit, Highmore did not find his name on the scoresheet in any capacity.

In his first season with the Senators organization, Highmore has primarily been playing in the AHL, suiting up in nine games for Belleville, scoring two goals and five assists. In very limited action at the NHL level, Highmore has tallied only one assist through three games played in Ottawa.

Kleven, on the other hand, has received the most playing time in the NHL amongst the three players, playing in five games for the Senators this season, and scoring one assist over that time. As a second-round draft choice by the Senators in the 2020 NHL Draft, Kleven was a teammate of fellow defenseman, Jake Sanderson, at the University of North Dakota prior to their time in professional hockey.

Lastly, of the three, Larsson is the most familiar with the AHL, playing in 201 games over the course of his career spent between the Senators and the Anaheim Ducks. Not much of an offensive weapon, Larsson has two assists for Belleville already this season through 10 games played.

Even with these three on the roster for the foreseeable future, it will be difficult for Belleville to climb out of a quick hole in the AHL’s North Division. Losers of their last three games, the Senators have a 6-7-0-1 record, in sit in second to last place in the division.

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