With the NHL trade deadline looming on March 8, the Edmonton Oilers, like other teams, are discovering that the cost of acquiring top-tier players is steep. The recent transactions involving Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan have potentially altered the Oilers’ plans, but one name that continues to surface in trade discussions is Anaheim Ducks forward Adam Henrique, a player rumored to be of interest to Edmonton.
According to recent reports from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Henrique is among the most sought-after players this season, with both the Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs expressing interest in acquiring the veteran center. Despite criticisms of his foot speed and defensive abilities, Henrique’s reputation for crafty net-front scoring and hockey intelligence has garnered attention.
While Henrique has contributed significantly to penalty-killing efforts, the Ducks have struggled in this aspect, ranking 25th in the league. However, Edmonton has seen improvement in their special teams this season, potentially lessening the urgency for Henrique to contribute in that area. Moreover, questions linger about how Henrique would integrate into the Oilers’ lineup, particularly considering their recent acquisition of Corey Perry and existing depth in forward positions.
There’s no shortage of teams in the market for a center. It appears #NHLDucks Adam Henrique is the third most attractive option on the list.
A deep dive on his game to explain why – and why #FlyTogether are still in line for a first-round pick.
Link: https://t.co/xrAUCSpcLP pic.twitter.com/J7aP7sfnwf
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 31, 2024
Insider opinions vary regarding Henrique’s fit with the Oilers. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff speculates that Edmonton may need to adjust their roster to accommodate a potential deal, such as by moving Ryan McLeod to the wing or forming dynamic offensive combinations with star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Allan Mitchell of The Athletic views Henrique as a consistent player capable of bolstering Edmonton’s lineup, given his scoring prowess and versatility on both special teams units.
David Pagnotta suggests that Henrique is likely to attract significant interest in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, with the Ducks open to moving him and potentially retaining a portion of his salary. Henrique’s current contract with the Ducks, a five-year deal worth $29 million, carries a cap hit of $5.825 million per season. While this may present a financial challenge for the Oilers, the Ducks have ample cap space to potentially retain a portion of Henrique’s salary. In his 14th NHL season, Henrique has maintained consistency, tallying 15 goals, 17 assists, and 32 points in 48 games.
