Anaheim Ducks: Adam Henrique is Posied to be a Great Alternate Captain

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 18: Anaheim Ducks Center Adam Henrique (14) in action during the National Hockey League game between the Anaheim Ducks and the New York Rangers on December 18, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 18: Anaheim Ducks Center Adam Henrique (14) in action during the National Hockey League game between the Anaheim Ducks and the New York Rangers on December 18, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA – FEBRUARY 17: Adam Henrique #14 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during the game against the Washington Capitals on February 17, 2019, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

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.

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!

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