Before the (almost) comeback that the Edmonton Oilers attempted this June against the Florida Panthers, there was another team 12 years ago that had attempted to do the same. Down three game to none, the New Jersey Devils went on to win two games before ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Kings. The player that was present for both of these Stanley Cup runs: Adam Henrique.
This Ontario-born forward is 34 years of age, has been a part of three NHL franchises and has scored some big time goals during his career. Lets have a closer look at Adam Henrique.
Henrique’s playing career
Prior to getting drafted 82nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2008, Henrique played for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. His point production jumped from 44 points in 2006–07 season to 77 points in 2009–10 campaign.
His first full season in the NHL took place in 2011–12, where he tallied an impressive 51 points in 74 games for the Devils. He would join the team on their Stanley Cup run where he score five goals and 13 points across the 24 games, with two of those goals being series-clinching goals.
Henrique would spend the next six seasons with the Devils before being traded in that final (2017–18) season to the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks would be swept in four games against the San Jose Sharks and Henrique would not play another playoff game until his trade to the Oilers in 2023–24 season. Despite injury setbacks, he was able to join the Oilers for 17 of the 25 games of their playoff run, contributing seven points.
International career
Henrique has also been no stranger to representing Team Canada during his career. In 2010, he teamed up with former Oilers, Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, on their way to a silver medal finish. Henrique has also joined Team Canada at the 2019 and the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships, the latter of which included him scoring the game-tying goal in the Gold Medal Game against Finland which Canada won in overtime.
Career statistics
Henrique’s most productive season was his rookie campaign when he tallied 51 points in 74 games. He has scored 20 or more goals in a single season seven times in his career.
| Season | Tm | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | ATOI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-11 | NJD | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 13:21 |
| 2011-12 | NJD | 74 | 16 | 35 | 51 | 8 | 18:10 |
| 2012-13 | NJD | 42 | 11 | 5 | 16 | -3 | 18:19 |
| 2013-14 | NJD | 77 | 25 | 18 | 43 | 3 | 18:03 |
| 2014-15 | NJD | 75 | 16 | 27 | 43 | -6 | 17:45 |
| 2015-16 | NJD | 80 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 10 | 19:50 |
| 2016-17 | NJD | 82 | 20 | 20 | 40 | -20 | 18:10 |
| 2017-18 | NJD | 24 | 4 | 10 | 14 | -6 | 18:15 |
| 2017-18 | ANA | 57 | 20 | 16 | 36 | 17 | 17:35 |
| 2018-19 | ANA | 82 | 18 | 24 | 42 | -5 | 16:27 |
| 2019-20 | ANA | 71 | 26 | 17 | 43 | -3 | 16:52 |
| 2020-21 | ANA | 45 | 12 | 9 | 21 | -8 | 16:02 |
| 2021-22 | ANA | 58 | 19 | 23 | 42 | -2 | 17:25 |
| 2022-23 | ANA | 62 | 22 | 16 | 38 | -8 | 18:11 |
| 2023-24 | ANA | 60 | 18 | 24 | 42 | 3 | 17:35 |
| 2023-24 | EDM | 22 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 14:50 |
| Career | 14 yrs | 912 | 263 | 267 | 530 | -13 | 17:43 |
Provided by Hockey-Reference.com
Player profile
Henrique is a veteran NHL centreman who has crafted an impressive career for himself. He is known for his ability to contribute on both sides of the ice, playing on special teams throughout his time in the league. At this stage of his hockey journey, he will likely look to fill a bottom-six role and provide depth scoring.
Strengths
Henrique is a smart, two-way forward. His offensive contributions to his team included scoring 30 goals in 2015–16 season. He is a disciplined and reliable veteran, who is experienced on the penalty kill and power play. On the third-worst team last season, Anaheim Ducks, his plus-minus rating was an impressive +3. Henrique is no stranger to big moments, coming up clutch with big playoff goals, including game-winning and series-winning goals.
Weaknesses
A veteran of 912 games, there is no doubt that Henrique has a lot of experience. However, this poses a question: what does Father Time have in store for him? There is no doubt he can be an effective bottom six forward with meaningful contribution but can he maintain his dependable production while remaining healthy?
Where does Henrique fit into the Oilers?
Henrique may be in the latter part of his career, but there is no doubt that he will continue to find ways to make himself an effective player. His play has made a large impact on the Oilers this postseason as the effectiveness of the Mattias Janmark, Adam Henrique, and Connor Brown line was undeniable during their Stanley Cup run. Henrique will likely continue to centre this third line for Kris Knoblauch heading into the new season, providing the experience and the depth scoring that the Oilers were searching for at times last season.
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