Anaheim Ducks: 3 Reasons Not to Trade Adam Henrique
The Anaheim Ducks made a bold statement when they placed Adam Henrique on waivers in mid-February, just two seasons into his big $29,125,000 contract ($5,825,000 AAV). The 2020-21 season did start off slowly for the 31-year-old veteran center, but just a season prior, he proudly led his team in points and goals. This brought about a lot of speculation concerning Henrique’s future with the Ducks.
Bob Murray went into the season expecting his team to compete, and when they did everything but, he had to make an example of somebody. We’ve seen Murray do this with players before; see the Andrew Cogliano trade. While it has not been confirmed, many have suggested that Murray may have attempted to move Henrique, but the price of his contract was just a bit too much and other GM’s weren’t willing to pay.
So, Murray and co. placed Henrique on waivers. He was then sent to the taxi squad for a short stint, called up, and then scratched for several games. It is clear that there was something about Henrique’s game the Ducks weren’t happy with, but benching Rico over a guy like Derek Grant seems asinine.
The Waiver Guy (all credit for this nickname goes to Khalid) dealt with the situation gracefully, however, and upon his return, has been one of the most constant point producers for the Anaheim Ducks. In 17 games, he has 12 points, which includes 7 goals. He is now 3rd on the team in points (16 pts) and is tied for first, with Max Comtois, leading the Ducks in goal scoring (10 g).
Whether you’re of the camp that believes waiving and benching Henrique lit a fire under him or you believe he would have heated back up on his own, in the eyes of the fans, one thing is for certain, this isn’t a very good look for Bobby. The joke is on Murray and Adam Henrique and his fans seem to be the ones having the last laugh.
Should the Anaheim Ducks Trade Adam Henrique?
Still, the question remains: are the Anaheim Ducks considering moving Henrique out? There are quite a few valid reasons that make it a big possibility. While Rico did heat back up, there are concerns about whether investing over $29M and 5 years into a player who will be 34 at the end of his contract was the right move.
His lack of production at the beginning of the season could be a sign of things to come. The Waiver Guy isn’t a spring chicken anymore and over the next few seasons, we will likely see a decline in his production. Father time is no respecter of persons, and the writing for his decline may already be on the wall.
light. Related Story. Benching Adam Henrique had Positive Results
If that is indeed the case, and we see a drastic decline in Adam Henrique’s game over the next few seasons, Bob Murray’s best option is to move on from this contract now, while he can still use Henrique’s contract as somewhat of a bargaining chip.
Even at 31-years-old Rico is still regarded around the league as a talented, versatile, two-way center. While he may be one of the Ducks’ better players right now, trading him while he still has value allows the organization to clear out some space for the future (Trevor Zegras, Jacob Perreault, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, etc.) without having to make room and carry the burden of a player who is over the hill and making close to $6M a season.
However, the case to trade Henrique, while valid, is purely circumstantial. Maybe he will decline, maybe he wasn’t worth the investment, maybe this, maybe that. Before we look at making the trade, perhaps we should look at a few reasons why the Waiver Guy deserves to stay in Anaheim. While I agree that Henrique’s contract is less than ideal, the player himself is worth keeping.
A Little Spark of Joy
When I think of all the reasons the Anaheim Ducks should keep Adam Henrique, the one at the very top of my list is a rather selfish reason. But, after the last few seasons, it’s okay to be a little selfish, isn’t it?
At the beginning of this year, I went through a big life transition. When I moved into my new place, my sister made me “Marie Kondo” my bedroom; it was weird, but oddly therapeutic. Everything that didn’t spark joy was set in a box for donation or trash. And when the Anaheim Ducks stopped bringing me joy, I used a similar method with the team. But instead of throwing out things that didn’t bring me joy, I went searching for the things that did.
If you know me, even in the slightest, you know that Max Jones was one of the few players I found that sparked joy when I turned on the game each night. But, it wasn’t until Rico was put on waivers and sat for several games did I realize just how much of a rock he had been for me these past few years.
In talking with friends on social media, someone referred to Henrique as a “Zoloft Rock.” Which, considering all the work Rico does to advocate for mental health, suits him perfectly. When watching the Anaheim Ducks, however, it’s impossible to argue that the Waiver Guy doesn’t spark joy in our hearts every time he sets foot out on the ice.
His work ethic is inspiring. He pushes himself and constantly proves his dedication to the Anaheim Ducks both on and off the ice. Not to mention, there’s hardly a moment when you don’t see him smiling. And he is always celebrating, not just his own victories but especially the ones of his teammates. Most importantly, Henrique loves what he does, and it shows.
In a season with so many unknowns, and with a rebuild on the horizon for this team, the fans and the players deserve someone on their roster who can inspire them, build them up, and be that spark of joy that hopefully ignites a fire, and no one can do that better than Adam Henrique.
Adam Henrique is a Rare Commodity
The Anaheim Ducks don’t really have very many options down the middle, at least, not a lot of good ones. Ryan Getzlaf is obviously the number one, but there isn’t really a player currently on the Ducks roster that could fill the gap as 2C should Henrique be traded.
Sam Steel clearly isn’t ready, and Derek Grant needs to be kept far away from the Top 6 (barring injury.) The Ducks and Dallas Eakins also seem content, for now, playing Trevor Zergras and Isac Lundestrom, who were both drafted as centers, on the wing.
David Backes is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, but seeing as how he has been limited to 10 games with the Ducks this year, that proves that the organization doesn’t have a lot of confidence in the 36-year-old vet. Either that, or there’s a bit of favoritism going on, but that’s an article for another day.
So, where does this leave the Ducks should they trade Henrique? Sure, Bob Murray could go out and sign a player with the potential to be his future 2C in free agency. But, there is no guarantee that Bargain Bob could get a player at his ideal price that will fill the role and do it justice. Another option is Sam Steel, but he has taken a step back in his development this year, and the responsibility seems to be a bit too much for the 23-year-old at this stage in his career.
While the Ducks do have a few options, why not stick with that they are familiar with? Allow players like Sam Steel, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, and Trevor Zegras to develop in the NHL and get comfortable with their role. Utilize Adam Henrique as a buffer while the young guns are given the opportunity to experience the growing pains that are necessary to their development without shouldering the tremendous responsibility of being the 2C when they aren’t ready.
A Key Piece of the Anaheim Ducks Leadership Core
Over the years, Adam Henrique has been an integral part of the Anaheim Ducks leadership core. With the team entering what looks like a lengthy rebuild, it will be players like Rico the team will want around to act as leaders within the organization while they navigate the difficult waters ahead.
With players like Max Comtois, Max Jones, Isac Lundestrom, Troy Terry, Sam Steel, Josh Mahura, Trevor Zegras, Jamie Drysdale, and whoever else may join the team in the coming years, still developing and learning who they are as NHL players, it is important that they are provided the opportunity to learn from players who can be a voice of reason during uncertain times.
Adam Henrique possesses the strong qualities of a leader, and while he can sometimes be a streaky player, he is always ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with integrity and optimism. He embraces and rolls with change, using it to motivate himself. Rico exudes confidence and his strong moral compass often balances out the rest of his team’s discipline issues. Most importantly, he handles every situation with poise but also isn’t afraid to stand up for what he believes in.
As a key piece to the Anaheim Ducks leadership, Henrique has already been tasked with the responsibility of guiding the future of the franchise. Ondrej Kase, Nick Ritchie, Troy Terry, Sam Steel, and Trevor Zegras are the names of just a few players who have been put in his care. While Kase and Ritchie are no longer with the organization, the Ducks must have a lot of trust in him to allow the apple of the organization’s eye, Trevor Zegras, to play and develop alongside him.
Moving Forward
Adam Henrique is a lot more useful to this team than people give him credit for, and that is often overshadowed by his horrible contract. The idea of trading him, however, is not a new one. He was rumored to be on the trade block during last season’s Trade Deadline and many fans wanted him traded before his new contract kicked in.
The idea has not been lost on Bob Murray, as he was reportedly shopping him prior to placing him on waivers. If a trade doesn’t happen at the trade deadline, there is always the possibility Murray and co. expose him during the Seattle Expansion Draft.
There are so many possibilities of what could happen concerning Adam Henrique. However, I am of the opinion that the Anaheim Ducks are a better team with Rico than without. He may no longer be a spring chicken, but he is still a reliable and versatile two-way center who can get the job done while the young guns are getting their sea legs.
He offers the team a little bit of consistency during a time when they have been anything but consistent. Even at 31-years-old, he can still produce effectively. While, in the future, the Ducks should strive to have their top point producers give them a lot more than 15-20 points halfway through the season, where the team is currently, Henrique is doing more than his fair share of carrying the load.
Rico is a natural-born leader who has taken everything this organization has thrown at him in stride. Since being acquired from New Jersey, he has stepped up far more than we could have ever hoped, not just for the team, but in the community as well. He is loyal to the Ducks, even if they don’t show the same level of loyalty to him.
And while, for contract purposes, trading him right now might make sense, there is no other player who fits this role better than Adam Henrique himself. He may not have carved a spot for himself on the Anaheim Ducks Mount Rushmore, but he has earned his spot on this team and carved a spot for himself in our hearts.
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