The NHL Trade Deadline is still over a month away, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from flowing. It hasn’t been a picture-perfect season for the New Jersey Devils after they entered with championship aspirations. Yet, at the All-Star break, they still find themselves just six points out of a playoff spot with two games in hand. Despite all that’s gone wrong the playoffs are still a real possibility.
With the Trade Deadline inching closer, GM Tom Fitzgerald will likely look to add pieces to give the team a jolt. One player that’s been rumoured is former Devil and current Anaheim Duck, Adam Henrique. On a recent episode of 32 Thoughts with Elliot Friedman, he pondered a reunion between the Devils and Henrique.
Friedman on 32TP: "I would find it very hard to believe the #NJDevils in particular have not looked into Adam Henrique"
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 29, 2024
Adam Henrique And The New Jersey Devils Reunion
Why A Reunion Makes Sense
There are so many reasons why adding Adam Henrique to this current Devils group makes sense. The first, and most obvious, is that he fills a major need. In the wake of recent charges against Michael McLeod and his involvement in the 2018 Canadian World Juniors sexual assault incident, the Devils are now left paper-thin at centre. McLeod was one of the Devils best defensive forwards and face-off takers, and his absence leaves a major hole. While Henrique’s 53.4% face-off win percentage isn’t as good as McLeod’s, it’s good enough to not be a negative. What Henrique brings that McLeod doesn’t is an offensive touch and the ability to play on the power play. His 15 goals and 32 points put him second on the Ducks in scoring. In comparison, McLeod has 10 goals and just 19 points.
Another more underrated reason why a reunion makes sense is to inject the Devils with good vibes. It’s a completely subjective idea, but the team needs any form of positivity. During his time in New Jersey, Adam Henrique was as beloved as a player could be. Was it largely because of his two series-clinching goals in the 2012 playoffs? Yes. But also because he was one of the few who wrapped his arms around the fanbase and community during the lean years after the 2012 Stanley Cup run. He became the face of an organization that not many wanted to be associated with during that time. He was a full-effort player who was also giving it his all despite being down on the scoreboard most nights. It may sound silly to some, but adding Henrique into an ailing locker room would give everyone a huge boost in vibes.
Adam Henrique has improved his game a lot since early December to be fair. He actually could be very good addition for a team who needs a new 3C. https://t.co/pX4f6JoOIx pic.twitter.com/yyuVUkiiHG
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) January 30, 2024
Why A Reunion Doesn’t Make Sense
It simply comes down to cost. Both in trade compensation and cap space. On the compensation front, Henrique’s name has been thrown out in trade discussions a lot. For a player of his ability, he’s a GM and coach’s dream when it comes to one-year playoff run rentals. The Devils may have to fight off a lot of competition to bring him in, and it might cost them. The Devils aren’t as flush in assets as they once were a year or two ago, and Tom Fitzgerald will have to be smart in how he uses them and who he uses them on. Anaheim could ask for a first-round pick or a top prospect, something the Devils likely can’t part with.
The other side of the cost comes down to cap space. On a positive note, with Dougie Hamilton recently added to LTIR, that has opened up $9 million in cap space. However, the Devils still have needs in goal, on the backend, and at bottom-six depth. It may not necessarily be wise to have Henrique’s $5.825 million eat up all this “bonus” cap space. Fitzgerald could opt to make three to four moves to round out the team and give up less in trade compensation in an attempt to make the playoffs. If he does decide to make Henrique his only splash then it’s all good, but the Devils are more than an Adam Henrique trade away from being a playoff team.
Should They Or Shouldn’t They
It’s a tricky question because Adam Henrique the player and person is such a perfect fit for the Devils. He’s the 200-foot type of player this team desperately needs with McLeod out, and he would instantly rejuvenate the fanbase. Unfortunately, there may be too many teams calling for him, driving Anaheim’s asking price up. The belief is the Devils will take a run at him, but ultimately fall short because of what Anaheim is asking for him.
Main Photo: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
