After playing in just seven games in the 2023-24 season, Matthew Highmore re-signed with the Ottawa Senators on a one-year contract. Although he'd have to wait until January 2025 to play in the NHL due to injuries in the Senators lineup, Highmore made a solid impression in his second game as a Senator by scoring his first goal since April 2022.
After his first goal as a Senator in the second game he played in the season, the rest of the 2024-25 season was a struggle for Highmore. In 41 NHL games, Highmore finished with six points. At times, Highmore became unplayable and got low ice time from head coach Travis Green.
Highmore played in the Senators' first playoff game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, then was scratched for the next five games of the series. Highmore then became an unrestricted free agent at 29 years old, and the search for fourth line production will continue for the Senators.
Islanders adding Highmore
Highmore will join the New York Islanders. The signing can be a move to help New York's AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, but Highmore can still play in the NHL if needed for New York.
#Isles are adding Matthew Highmore on a new deal, just trying to confirm any details.
— Brennan Klak (@nhlupdate) July 1, 2025
The Senators re-signing Highmore's fourth line teammate Nick Cousins to a one-year deal first might have been early signs that the team wasn't immediately ready to bring back Highmore's fourth line production. Now, Highmore is going to the Islanders. The Islanders are Highmore's fifth NHL team since he first played in the NHL in 2017-18.
Highmore's best moment of the 2024-25 season in Ottawa was arguably the stick save he made in the Senators' 5-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 11.
Matthew Highmore OUTTA NO WHERE pic.twitter.com/GzAz9mf5fX
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 12, 2025
Highmore leaving can also shape up the Belleville Senators' roster in the AHL. Earlier today, it was announced Cole Reinhardt wouldn't return. Now, Highmore won't be returning.