Canucks place Higgins on waivers for purpose of buyout
The Vancouver Canucks have placed Chris Higgins on waivers, setting in motion the buyout process for the veteran winger, general manager Jim Benning announced Monday.
"We would like to thank Chris for his contributions to the Canucks both on and off the ice over the past six seasons," said Benning. "Chris was a leader in our dressing room and a leader in the community, especially as an ambassador for Special Olympics BC.
"He set a great example for our younger players to follow. The professionalism he has displayed throughout this process highlights the kind of person he is. We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors."
It will cost the Canucks a little more than $833,333 for the next two seasons to shed Higgins, who's entering the final season of his four-year contract, but the transaction will see them retain $1.66 million to spend this season.
Higgins cleared waivers last season, allowing for Vancouver to bury him in the minors for a large portion of the season.
He was recalled in March, and finished the year with three goals and one assist in 33 games.
Should Higgins clear and be bought out of his contract, he will be free to sign on with another club while continuing to receive payment from the Canucks.
Vancouver can be well involved in the free-agent market this summer with more than $10 million in available cap space.