Prior to the 2024-25 season, 29-year-old forward Matthew Highmore joined the Ottawa Senators on a one-year deal. It wouldn't be until January 2025 that Highmore would get NHL action with the Senators.
In his second game of the season against the Dallas Stars, Highmore scored his first NHL goal since April 2022 and his first game-winning goal since March 2021. However, the rest of the season was a struggle for Highmore.
Highmore finished the 2024-25 season with six points in 41 games played. Highmore played the first game of the 2025 playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs in round one, but was scratched for the final five games. While Highmore is an unrestricted free agent this Summer, the writing for him could be on the wall due to recent news involving a Canadian team.
Jets could be a potential team for Highmore to sign with after Toews signing
Three days ago, it was announced that former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews will sign a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets when free agency opens on July 1. Not re-signing Highmore might be in the best interest for the Senators this free agency.
While it was in best interest for the Senators to not sign Toews, it could lead an idea for Highmore to not want to re-sign with the Senators and sign with the Jets. Being a fellow Canadian from Nova Scotia could interest Highmore in signing with a Canadian team this free agency. However, Toews could be an impact for Highmore.
Highmore played in Chicago with Toews as his captain. Highmore played in 13 games in the 2017-18 season for the Blackhawks. After not playing in the NHL in the 2018-19 season, Highmore played in 36 games in the 2019-20 season.
Highmore played all nine playoff games with Toews for Chicago during the 2020 playoffs. Being a former teammate of Toews could seek interest from Highmore in wanting to play for the Jets.
The Jets do have cap space to add a fourth liner to add toughness and grit. According to PuckPedia as of this afternoon, the Jets have over $24 million in cap space. However, Nikolaj Ehlers is a top free agent on the Jets roster. The Senators have over $10.7 million in cap space, but have other top players to re-sign and pursue like Claude Giroux and Brock Boeser.
Fourth liners Adam Gaudette and Nick Cousins can be more appealing to re-sign over Highmore for the Senators as well.
Highmore's future in Ottawa looks uncertain after not playing in the final five games of the Senators-Maple Leafs first round series. However, with playing with Toews in Chicago, the Jets could be a destination for Highmore after the Toews news from three days ago.