Adam Henrique’s name is one that we are continuously seeing thrown around the rumor mill, and the Edmonton Oilers would be smart to make a push for him.
Given their incredible journey until mid-February, there aren’t many, if any, teams in 2023–24 that have been more entertaining to watch than the Edmonton Oilers. Although almost everyone wrote them off early, Edmonton has subsequently fought their way back into the running, and as of February 13th, they sit third in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference with 63 points.
This squad may manage to sneak into a higher seed for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, even though there is very little possibility that they will catch the formidable Vancouver Canucks. Trading for a well-known player before or before the trade deadline would help increase their prospects, and there is one guy in particular who would make a lot of sense.
Adam Henrique’s recent problems with the Anaheim Ducks have prevented him from playing for a good team. However, the Oilers should do more than simply seriously contemplate trading for him because someone will profit handsomely from the deal.
Henrique would provide the Oilers with even another potent offensive option.
NHL teams should occasionally strengthen their weaker players in the lineup, but they should also occasionally enhance their stronger players. And no one-two combination in today’s professional hockey is superior than the Oilers’ Connor McDavid (77 points) and Leon Draisaitl (62 points). When you consider names like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, you could be left wondering just where Henrique fits in.
The Oilers score a lot, but they are not among the top five scoring teams; Henrique might be the difference that separates a good offence from an excellent one. Henrique has made the most of his opportunity in Anaheim, posting 35 points and 15 goals, the latter of which is tied for second place behind only Frank Vatrano, for an Anaheim Ducks club that is presently 29th in scoring with just 132 goals.
Henrique has already made 15.8% of his shots on goal this season. Should the Oilers decide to trade for him and need him on the man advantage, he would also be a valuable commodity to consider on the power play.
