6 Players the Anaheim Ducks Should Consider Trading

Adam Henrique

Adam Henrique has fit in pretty well with the Anaheim Ducks since he was acquired during the 2017-18 season. He’s been a reliable second or third-line center, especially in the wake of Ryan Kesler‘s hip injury. Rico is a great contributor, scoring upwards of 40 points in any given season. It didn’t take him long to become a fan favorite in Anaheim and it was no surprise when Bob Murray extended him for 5-years during the 2018 offseason.

There are several reasons the Anaheim Ducks should keep Adam Henrique, especially where the younger players are concerned, but it is those very reasons Rico could be a prime trade candidate. First off, he is an incredibly versatile player. Not only can he slot in almost anywhere in the lineup, but he can also play both center and on the wing. Having a player who can assume any role in a forward core gives Rico quite a bit of value.

To add to that, it is very seldom that he finds himself injured. He hasn’t played less than 75 games since the 2112-13 season. Adding a player who is durable is something a lot of playoff contenders will be looking for, especially as we get closer to the trade deadline.

Henrique is also an incredible mentor, not just to the younger players, but to players who are of the same age and stage of their career as well. He leads by example, works hard, and plays with exuberance and integrity. He has great hockey sense, which makes him an excellent two-way forward.

The biggest issue in trading Henrique, however, is the fact that there aren’t many players currently on the Ducks roster who are ready to fill his role. Putting so much responsibility onto the younger players during a rebuild seems a little cruel. However, that doesn’t mean the Ducks can’t find another center who could potentially fill his role and walk away with a few pieces to help speed up the impending rebuild.