The Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks have made a trade. Chicago acquires Adam Gaudette from the Vancouver Canucks sending Matthew Highmore the other way. This is two depth forwards being moved for one another but Highmore comes to Vancouver signed for next season at just $725K. Gaudette is in need of a new contract as a restricted free agent and will be eligible for arbitration. It was unlikely the Canucks would be able to afford him next season.
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Gaudette is now out of the COVID Protocol and can travel to Chicago to join the Blackhawks. He is 24, has 153 games of NHL experience and scored 33 points for the Canucks just last season. He’s got a high ceiling as a former Hobey Baker Award winner and has a history of scoring. A change of scenery could be good for him.
Highmore is more of a depth fourth-line option. He’s going to be a low-cost option for Vancouver at just $725K. The 25-year-old forward provides depth while the Canucks try to figure out what they’ll do with some bigger-name players that are in need of high-priced contracts. Highmore is unlikely to be an impact player for Vancouver. He has just four goals and 10 points through his 73-game NHL career.
Highmore spoke to the TSN Trade Center panel and said, “I found out during morning skate and I’m super excited to be a part of the Canucks organization.” He said he hadn’t heard his name out there but knew anyone had a chance to get traded.
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