Matthew Highmore Bio
Matthew Highmore is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a forward for the New York Islanders organization in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 27, 1996, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Highmore began his professional career in 2017 after signing with the Chicago Blackhawks as an undrafted player. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a reliable two-way forward capable of contributing at both the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL) levels. His journey from undrafted prospect to NHL regular demonstrates his persistence and adaptability across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Highmore grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. He attended Maritime Varsity Academy from 2008 to 2010, a school that focused on athletic development and helped shape his future career trajectory. His formative years in Nova Scotia provided him with the foundation needed to pursue competitive hockey at the junior level.
Path to Professional Hockey
Highmore was drafted eighth overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) entry draft in 2012. During his time with the Sea Dogs, he emerged as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. He served as one of the team’s alternate captains during the 2014-15 season, demonstrating leadership qualities that would benefit him throughout his professional career. His dedication to his craft paid off as he became the only player on his team to earn a professional hockey contract without being drafted into the NHL.
At the conclusion of the 2016-17 season, Highmore was named the Sea Dogs’ Most Valuable Player and was awarded the Pepsi Top Scorer Award for the second consecutive year after recording 34 goals and 89 total points. His exceptional performance helped Saint John win the President’s Cup as QMJHL champions. The team advanced to the 2017 Memorial Cup, where they reached the semi-final before losing to the Erie Otters. Highmore finished third in playoff scoring during that championship run.
Matthew Highmore Career
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2017-2021)
Despite his success in the QMJHL, Highmore was passed over at the NHL entry draft twice in his final year of eligibility. However, his outstanding performance caught the attention of the Chicago Blackhawks organization, which signed him to a three-year NHL contract in March 2017 as an undrafted free agent. He began his professional career with the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s AHL affiliate, during the 2017-18 season.
Highmore made an immediate impact in the AHL, recording his first professional hat trick against the Iowa Wild on December 27, 2017. His stellar play earned him a selection to the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic. He became the first Rockford rookie to score more than 20 goals since the team joined the Blackhawks organization in 2007. Highmore earned his first NHL call-up on February 26, 2018, and made his NHL debut on March 1 in a game against the San Jose Sharks. He scored his first NHL goal on March 10 against the Boston Bruins. At season’s end, he was named the IceHogs Rookie of the Year after recording 42 points, tied for the team lead, while ranking fourth among AHL rookies in goals.
Prior to the 2018-19 season, Highmore was named an alternate captain for the IceHogs in October. However, his season was interrupted when he underwent surgery to repair a right shoulder injury on November 13, requiring four to six months of recovery. He returned for the 2019-20 season, recording two goals and six points in 36 games with Chicago before the NHL season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When play resumed in the playoff bubble, Highmore contributed three goals and one assist during the Blackhawks’ postseason run.
Vancouver Canucks (2021-2022)
On April 12, 2021, Highmore was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Adam Gaudette. He played his first game for Vancouver on April 20, 2021. Highmore quickly found his footing with his new team, scoring his first goal for the Canucks on May 14 against the Calgary Flames. The following day, he recorded a two-goal performance in a victory over the Edmonton Oilers. During the 2021-22 season, Highmore appeared in 46 games, recording five goals and 12 points. Following the season, the Canucks declined to extend him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
St. Louis Blues (2022-2023)
Highmore signed a one-year, two-way contract with the St. Louis Blues on July 14, 2022. He began the season with the Springfield Falcons, St. Louis’s AHL affiliate. His excellent play earned him a selection to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game in January. He was leading Springfield in scoring when he received his NHL recall on February 18, 2023. Highmore made his Blues debut on February 19 against the Ottawa Senators. He appeared in one additional game before being returned to Springfield on February 23.
Ottawa Senators (2023-2025)
As a free agent, Highmore signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators on July 1, 2023. Although he attended Ottawa’s training camp, he did not make the initial roster and was assigned to the Belleville Senators, Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, after clearing waivers in October. He was recalled to the NHL on November 9 and made his Senators debut that night against Vancouver. Highmore appeared in six games, recording one point, before being returned to the AHL in December.
He was recalled again on March 6, 2024. At that time, Highmore had recorded nine goals and 29 points in 40 games with Belleville. He played the following game against the Anaheim Ducks, registering an assist, but suffered an upper-body injury and was placed on injured reserve on March 11. He was activated on April 14 and returned to Belleville for the remainder of the season.
Highmore signed a one-year, two-way extension with Ottawa on June 27, 2024. He began the 2024-25 season on Ottawa’s injured list after being injured in training camp. After recovering and clearing waivers, he was assigned to Belleville in October. He was recalled on January 10, 2025, and made his season debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 11. He scored his first goal of the season the following night against the Dallas Stars. Highmore was primarily used in a defensive checking role with the Senators.
The Ottawa Senators qualified for the playoffs, and Highmore made his NHL playoff debut on April 20 in Game 1 of the opening round against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was replaced in the lineup beginning in Game 2, and the Senators were eliminated by the Maple Leafs in six games.
New York Islanders (2025-Present)
Following his tenure with the Senators, Highmore signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Islanders for the 2025-26 season on July 1, 2025. He attended New York’s training camp but did not secure a roster spot. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the Bridgeport Islanders, New York’s AHL affiliate, on October 1, 2025. He was recalled by New York on October 23, alongside Marshall Warren, providing organizational depth as the season progressed.
Playing Style and Strengths
Highmore is known as a reliable two-way forward who can contribute in various situations. His ability to play both special teams roles and his tenacious forechecking have made him a valuable depth player throughout his career. His left-handed shot and hockey intelligence allow him to adapt to different systems and teammates. His defensive responsibility has been a consistent strength that earned him regular playing time in the NHL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Highmore has achieved several notable milestones. His first professional hat trick with Rockford in December 2017 marked an early highlight. Being selected to the AHL All-Star Classic in 2018 and again in 2023 recognized his consistent performance at the minor league level. His first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins in March 2018 represented the culmination of his journey from undrafted prospect to NHL player. His playoff debut with Ottawa in April 2025 marked another significant step in his professional career.
Matthew Highmore Career Statistics
Highmore has compiled professional statistics spanning multiple seasons in both the NHL and AHL. His career includes stops with the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, and New York Islanders organizations. His AHL career with teams including the Rockford IceHogs, Springfield Falcons, and Belleville Senators has been equally productive.
AHL Highlights
Highmore has been a consistent performer in the AHL throughout his career. His 42-point rookie season with Rockford in 2017-18 earned him IceHogs Rookie of the Year honors. His selection to the 2023 AHL All-Star Game while playing for Springfield highlighted his continued development. His first professional hat trick against Iowa remains one of the memorable moments of his AHL career.
NHL Career
Highmore made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 1, 2018. Over subsequent seasons with Chicago, Vancouver, Ottawa, and New York, he has demonstrated the ability to contribute at hockey’s highest level when called upon. His playoff debut with Ottawa in April 2025 represented his first NHL postseason experience.
Matthew Highmore Family
Public information regarding Matthew Highmore’s family background is limited. He has maintained a private personal life throughout his professional career. His focus remains on his hockey career and continued development as a professional athlete.
Personal Life
Highmore has spent parts of his offseasons training in Halifax, Nova Scotia, alongside other NHL and AHL players. This connection to his hometown has remained important to him throughout his professional career. His background attending Maritime Varsity Academy from 2008 to 2010 shaped his early athletic development.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transition for Highmore as he joined the New York Islanders organization. After beginning the season with Bridgeport in the AHL following training camp, he earned a recall to the NHL roster in late October. This pattern of starting in the minors and earning promotions throughout the season has characterized much of his professional career.
His time with the Senators earlier in 2025 included a mix of AHL and NHL duty, with his defensive checking role demonstrating his versatility. The playoff appearance with Ottawa represented a career milestone, even though his involvement was limited. Moving forward, Highmore continues to serve as valuable organizational depth for the Islanders, capable of stepping into NHL duties when needed while contributing at the AHL level.