Chris Higgins scored 13 goals last regular season, although only two came in a Canucks uniform. Originally acquired to skate on the 4th line with Tanner Glass and Maxim Lapierre, a combination of injuries, inconsistent efforts from Mason Raymond and Mikael Samuellson, and Higgins’ promising play earned him a promotion to Ryan Kesler’s wing within days of being cleared to play following a broken hand.

The man they (we) call Kiss Huggins showed enough last season to earn another go-round in Vancouver, as the Canucks paid him $1.9 million to return. It will be interesting to see if he can return, as well, to Ryan Kesler’s wing. Lord knows the spot is wide open at the moment and, while Higgins struggled with his finish at times last year (some of that may have had to do with his sore hand), he showed as much or more chemistry with Kesler as anyone on the roster.

Unfortunately, it only resulted in two goals, and truthfully, I don’t care where he plays in 2012, so long as he can replicate what he does in the clips below, say, 20 more times than that. Here’s every goal Chris Higgins scored (in a Canucks uniform) in 2010-11.

1 Mar. 27 vs the Columbus Blue Jackets

An offensive zone turnover leads to Mason Raymond springing Ryan Kesler up the far boards for what appears to be a 1-on-1. But, when Scottie Upshall quits skating and Chris Higgins doesn’t, it turns into a 2-on-1 in a hurry. Kesler’s pass — between Sami Lepisto’s legs with the perfect draw weight — is a beauty, and Chris Higgins’ short angle shot is just as nice.

2 Mar. 27 vs the Columbus Blue Jackets

Higgins’ second goal as a Canuck comes in the same game. This one’s a powerplay goal, scored when Kevin Bieksa’s wrist shot is deflected to the side of the net by Mason Raymond, where Higgins is waiting to bury it into the open cage. After the goal, Higgins does what he does best, which is hug his teammates. Kiss Huggins just wants to hold you.