The Oilers' only trade deadline move this year was a deal with the Anaheim Ducks to acquire Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick, and despite fitting in well with this lineup, Henrique is expected to walk in free agency.
According to a new report from David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, Henrique's playoff performance gave a significant boost to his expected contract value in free agency, likely too much for the Oilers to accommodate. When he hits the market, Henrique will become one of the most wanted depth centers in free agency.
In 22 regular season games with the Oilers, Henrique scored 6 goals and 9 points. In 15 playoff games, he demonstrated incredible value in playing up and down the lineup, which really allowed the Oilers depth forwards to settle into their roles. In his exit interviews with the media, Henrique spoke highly of his time in Edmonton, but obviously did not commit to re-signing with the team.
Henrique said winning a cup is more important than money at his age, but he knows he doesn't need to take a discount to win. Henrique could sign a one-year contract for a higher salary with any rebuilding team who could trade him to a contender at the deadline with salary retained. Henrique can have his cake and eat it too, and it means a reunion with Edmonton looks unlikely.
Adding Henrique at the deadline wasn't the biggest move the Oilers could've made, but it was a savvy one. After their Stanley Cup Final showing this year though, the Oilers deserve a bigger addition at the trade deadline next season. Despite Henrique being a fine fit with the Oilers, it's okay to let him walk and try to improve on him next season.
