Chris Higgins is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on June 2, 1983, in Smithtown, New York, and began his hockey career playing for the Yale Bulldogs in the NCAA.
Higgins was drafted 14th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2003-2004 season and quickly established himself as a reliable two-way forward. He spent six seasons with the Canadiens, scoring 84 goals and 161 points in 314 games.
In 2009, Higgins was traded to the New York Rangers, where he played for one season before being traded again to the Vancouver Canucks. It was with the Canucks that Higgins had some of his best seasons, including a career-high 25 goals in the 2010-2011 season. He also helped lead the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011, where they ultimately lost to the Boston Bruins.
After five seasons with the Canucks, Higgins was traded to the Calgary Flames in 2016. However, he only played in four games for the Flames before being placed on waivers and ultimately retiring from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Higgins was known for his versatility and ability to play in all situations. He was a strong penalty killer and was often used on the power play as well. He was also known for his work ethic and leadership qualities, serving as an alternate captain for both the Canadiens and Canucks.
Off the ice, Higgins was involved in various charitable endeavors, including the Canucks for Kids Fund and the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation. He was also a member of the NHLPA's Goals & Dreams program, which provides equipment to children in need.
Overall, Chris Higgins had a successful career in the NHL, playing for four different teams and scoring 165 goals and 327 points in 711 games. He was a reliable and versatile player who was respected by his teammates and coaches alike.
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