14-Year Center Inks Deal with the Oilers
During the trade deadline last season, veteran center Adam Henrique was dealt from the struggling Anaheim Ducks to the Edmonton Oilers, giving him the chance to join a team that was trying to win its first Stanley Cup in more than 30 years. Henrique demonstrated his value to the Oilers team during the regular and postseason, even though they were unable to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Panthers, falling short in a winner-take-all Game Seven. Henrique recorded six goals in 22 games during his time with the Oilers, and he added four more in the postseason. Henrique, a free agent for the third time in his career, was keen to join a squad focused on winning right now. According to Sportsnet NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers have re-signed Henrique to a two-year deal, worth six million.
During the 2008 NHL Draft, Henrique was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third round with the 82nd pick. Prior to joining the NHL, Henrique put his name on the map in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires, scoring 111 goals in four seasons. With the Devils, Henrique established himself right away with his steady performance and knack for scoring goals. His breakthrough came in his rookie season of 2011–2012, when he scored many crucial goals, including the game-winning overtime goal in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals, and was instrumental in the Devils' route to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the 2017–18 season, Henrique was traded to the Ducks after spending eight seasons with the Devils.
In his career, Henrique has made a name for himself as a solid two-way center with the Devils and then with the Ducks and Oilers. He is a useful asset in any circumstance because of his outstanding defensive performance and ability to contribute offensively. Due to his adaptability, Henrique has been able to perform well in a variety of situations, including centering the top lines, participating in power plays, and helping with the penalty kill. His ability to perform under duress and his steady faceoff win percentage further emphasize how valuable he is to any team. With the goal of competing for the Stanley Cup, Henrique will provide the Oilers with a crucial upgrade to their roster going into next season.
