The Anaheim Ducks Should Keep Adam Henrique
Adam Henrique has been rumored to be a prime trade candidate for the Anaheim Ducks, but trading the veteran center could be very detrimental to the entire roster.
Leading up to the NHL’s tread deadline this past February, Adam Henrique was mentioned as a player Anaheim Ducks General Bob Murray was shopping. Despite signing a 5-year extension in the offseason, which doesn’t take effect until July 1, the pivot is one of the few players whose perceived return via trade would benefit the “re-tooling” Ducks. In a shocker, Murray decided to part with youthful blueliner Brandon Montour in lieu of the aging Henrique.
After the trade deadline passed, the notion of trading “Uncle Rico” has remained etched in the minds of fans and analyst. Although there is a belief trading Henrique is in the Ducks best interest, I break down why trading the veteran center can be devastating for a franchise that is opposed to a rebuild.
Down Stats, but Not Production
There’s no denying Henrique regressed on the point sheet. After posting 50 points and 24 goals during the 2017-2018 season, he posted a disappointing 18 goals and 42 points this season. It’s never great to see an aging player have a reduction in points, but there is a positive spin on his production.
First, Anaheim’s plethora of injuries is at the forefront of his offensive regression. Much of his success last season was a direct result of his chemistry with Ondrej Kase. Injuries limited Kase to only 23 games this season, which resulted in a multitude of forwards manning AH14’s wings. As a result, the instability prevented Henrique from maintaining the success he found in Anaheim.
Second, his regression can also be tied to Randy Carlyle. As much as anyone, Uncle Rico appeared off his game under RC’s reign this season. Once GMBM took over as coach, Henrique returned to form. During the final 16 games of the season, AH14 flourished with a total of 6 goals (30 goals pace) and 10 points (50 point pace). Both are respectable for a second line center, especially for one that is relied on defensively.
In addition to the talent influx coming from San Diego to start next season, Kase has been afforded ample time to be ready for training camp. Both are reasons for fans to be excited at the type of success Uncle Rico is able to achieve in the upcoming campaign.
Stop Gap
Sam Steel is poised to assume a large role for the Anaheim Ducks next season. He has the potential to become the team’s number 2 center, but it’s far from a certainty. Keeping Henrique in the fold is key for the youngster’s development.
Even if Steel is ready for second line offensive duties, there needs to be a reliable defensive option and someone capable of producing offense if his development curve is slower than expected. Further, Murray is being cautious with placing lofty expectations on the club’s prospects, so Henrique’s steady two-way game allows GMBM to deploy Steel in ideal situations to ensure he develops effectively.
Beyond Steel, the Ducks’ farm system has several young centers that have potential but need time to develop. Whether it is Isac Lundestrom, Antoine Morand, Benoit-Oliver Groulx, or whoever Murray selects 9th overall in the draft this season, it’s highly unlikely they will be ready for significant NHL duties for at least 2 seasons.
Enter Adam Henrique’s ability to play wing. Although he was signed to play center, his ability to transition to the wing when younger players ascend is a benefit that should not be marginalized. We all know injuries happen and young players tend to wear down during the long NHL season, so having a player like Henrique that can assume those roles is invaluable.
A Void
The biggest downside to trading Uncle Rico is the void left at the center position. Steel is penciled in for one of the 2/3 center roles, but there isn’t a player in the system capable of effectively taking the second one. Below are the centers remaining and next season outlook.
Devin Shore: best suited as a fourth line player who is capable of filling in top 9 roles when injuries hit. Has versatility to play wing. A more offensively gifted version of Carter Rowney, but with a cap hit that makes him a trade candidate.
Carter Rowney: A solid fourth line center who plays a very good defensive game. Can also play wing effectively and provides leadership for younger players. His contract is a bargain and will likely be the teams 4C.
Isac Lundestrom: Plays with great “Hockey IQ” and a responsible game that can already translate to NHL success. The same traits that have allowed him to compete against men since he was 16 are also responsible for the lack of development in his offensive game. Spending at least one more season in the AHL/Sweden, if not longer, in an offensive role is likely on the agenda to ensure he’s afforded the opportunity to reach his potential.
Kalle Kossila: Has a promising skill set for a bottom 6 role, but hasn’t been able to stick at the NHL. He’s also a free agent and appears to be headed to an organization that has a vacant fourth line center role.
Morand, Groulx, 9th overall draft pick: all of these options will need at least one more season of experience outside the NHL before being a serious contender for a roster spot.
Simply put, unless Murray is looking to acquire a player capable of playing 3C via trade or free agency, Henrique’s place on the roster should be solidified.
Potential Targets
While I feel Henrique is being undervalued by fans for the reasons mentioned, Murray will have to listen to offers due to the 5 years remaining on his contract. For a trade to happen, Murray will be looking for a center capable of playing a top 9 role until their young studs are ready.
I have identified 3 likely targets as potential AH14 replacements. Two are veterans who would be willing to sign 1-2 year deals and one is a potential long-term 3C option.
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Brian Boyle: The behemoth is as steady as they come. In 9 full NHL seasons, he has scored 10+ goals 7 times while being deployed in a heavily defensive role. He has never had a season with under 53.4% defensive zone starts (outside 36 games as a member of the LA Kings), and has exceeded 60% defensive zone starts in 7 seasons (exceeded 70% twice).
Derick Brassard: Where Brian Boyle is a better defensive center who produces a decent amount of offense, Brassard is capable defensive center who is better suited to produce offense. He never found a role in Pittsburgh and didn’t make a real impact on either the Panthers or Avalanche. All that being said, he still managed to score 14 goals and it is his lone (full) season where he failed to top 35 points. Looking for a rebound season, DB will be searching for a one or two-year “prove-it” deal.
Jack Roslovic: The former first-round pick is only 22 years old and is coming off his first full season in the NHL. He’s a player who would immediately assume the 3C role and could develop into a high-end 3C in the very near future. Aaron Portzline reported via Twitter the young pivot is unhappy with how Winnipeg has handled his development (under 10 minutes ice time a night) and asked for a trade. If Murray is looking to add a winger like Cole Caufield in the draft, Roslovic would be an enticing addition.
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Do you think Adam Henrique should be considered as a possible trade chip this summer or is it worth it for the Anaheim Ducks to keep him around? Let us know by leaving a comment for us in the comment section down below!