Anaheim Ducks: Adam Henrique is Posied to be a Great Alternate Captain
The Anaheim Ducks have two vacant alternate captain positions to fill before the season begins, and Adam Henrique is poised to take over one of those spots.
Having good leaders is one of the fundamentals of success for any team. Over the past few seasons, the Anaheim Ducks leadership has been an area of struggle for the team. It isn’t that they don’t have good leaders, but due to a barrage of injury, they’ve lacked consistency, which has affected many aspects of their game.
Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler have both served well during their time as Ryan Getzlaf‘s two alternate captains. Whichever players are chosen to take over in their absence will have big shoes to fill. It has been speculated that Cam Fowler will be awarded one of the “A’s” due to the fact that he is primed to take over for Ryan Getzlaf once he retires. However, going into the 2019-20 season, the Anaheim Ducks have several candidates that would serve well in the position of alternate captain.
We’ve already taken a look at the qualities that would make Hampus Lindholm a great contender, examined why a surprising candidate in Jakob Silfverberg could be a good fit, and given a lot of thought to the most experienced candidate, Josh Manson. We have one candidate left, and that is Adam Henrique. What makes him such a great candidate for the job?
Consistency
Consistency is an important quality in a leader. Not only do they have to be consistent with their vision and ideas, but they also have to be consistent with their attendance. Last season, the Anaheim Ducks struggled under their leadership due to the constant shuffling. Their Captain, Ryan Getzlaf, spent time dealing with injuries and the “A” rotated between 5 different players throughout the season: Ryan Kesler, Corey Perry, Josh Manson, Cam Fowler, and Adam Henrique.
While the team’s struggles stemmed from more than just issues with their leadership core, the inconsistency didn’t help. When you have several different players representing your team both on and off the ice, you’re going to deal with mixed messages, different ideas, and there is always the potential for personalities to clash.
A big reason Adam Henrique would be a great fit as one of the Anaheim Ducks alternate captains is that he offers the team consistency. Throughout his 9 season career in the NHL, he has only missed a total of 29 games. In a single season, he has never missed more than 8 games. Should he be allowed to serve alongside Ryan Getzlaf, he can make sure the same ideals Getzlaf would impliment on and off the ice are relayed and executed should the captain fall to injury.
Giving Henrique the opportunity to serve as one of the Ducks alternate captains will ensure that the entire team is on the same page. This is especially important for players like Troy Terry and Sam Steel, and any other young players who slot into the lineup, as they continue to develop in the Anaheim Ducks system.
Experience
Not including his brief stint wearing the “A” last season with the Anaheim Ducks, Adam Henrique has served as an Alternate Captain for a total of 5 seasons with the Windsor Spitfires (2009-10), Albany Devils (2012-13), and New Jersey Devils (2015-18). Although he only wore the “A” for 16 games with the Albany Devils, we will still consider it for the sake of the argument.
During his final season with the Windsor Spitfires in 2009-10, he wore the “A” alongside Greg Nemisz, Dale Mitchell, and captain Harry Young. Together, the four of them led the Spitfires to their second consecutive Memorial Cup, where they ultimately won in Game 4 against the Barrie Colts after almost being knocked out by the Kitchener Rangers in Round 3.
Taking his post as alternate captain is also proof that a player doesn’t have to be the best on the team to be a leader. Henrique was one of the best centers on the team, and the top 3 in point production that season, but being a leader is about so much more than that.
Henrique’s previous experience in the position as an alternate captain says a lot about his character and leadership skills. He was trusted by his coaches and teammates. It also points to his passion and determination not only for the game but his dedication to his teammates as well. As mentioned when examining Josh Manson’s experience wearing the “A”, these are not learned traits.
The Traits of a Leader
Every candidate for alternate captain we have discussed thus far emanates the qualities of a leader. Adam Henrique is no exception, as he showcases these qualities on the ice almost every night. Starting with loyalty, Rico has proven his commitment to the Ducks by signing a 5-year contract with a Modified-NTC, which goes into effect this season, that will likely take him to the end of his career.
He displays integrity. The furthest thing from a dirty player, Henrique has a strong moral compass that is evident when he is both on and off the ice. Confidence is always key, and while he can sometimes be a streaky player, Rico always comes on the ice prepared to face the challenges ahead.
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AH14 has also proven he can adapt. After the New Jersey Devils traded him to the Anaheim Ducks in 2018, he instantly joined the team and became one of their better players, producing 36 points in 57 games, on pace for a 52 point season had he played for the Ducks all year. Those totals would have put him just below Rickard Rakell and Ryan Getzlaf. He refused to let the change affect his state of mind, and used the change to his advantage.
Optimism is also something the Anaheim Ducks need more of going into the 2019-20 season, and Adam Henrique is one of those players who always has a smile on his face despite the circumstance. This ties into his passion for the game. You can instantly tell that he loves what he does. He works hard and always puts his nose to the grindstone for his team.
While the “A” is just a letter stitched intricately onto a jersey, it represents more than that. It is a position that should not be taken lightly. It takes someone with maturity and someone who is trustworthy. All of these traits combined are a huge reason Rico has served as an alternate captain with so many of his other teams, and a big reason he should be considered by the Anaheim Ducks.
The organization already sees something in him, or they wouldn’t have had him rotate in and out of the position last season. There are also added benefits for other players if he were to wear the “A.” Nick Ritchie could greatly benefit from having his linemate as a leader. It could inspire him to change his ways and focus on his game rather than his anger. Sam Steel could also greatly benefit, having both Ryan Getzlaf and Adam Henrique as mentors as he comes into his own at the NHL level.
No matter which players the Anaheim Ducks choose, however, the team will be better because of it. Any combination of Josh Manson, Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, Jakob Silfverberg, or Adam Henrique alongside Ryan Getzlaf will benefit the team tremendously.
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We’ve broken down all of our candidates and we want to hear your opinion. Be sure to share with us who you think should wear the “A” this season for the Anaheim Ducks by leaving a comment down below or sharing it with us on Facebook or Twitter!