Just recently, rumors have been put out saying ex-Devil Adam Henrique has been linked to the Devils in trade talks. While nothing is confirmed, it is easy to say this is something every Devils fan would be happy about.
In the beginning of the season, it seemed that the Devils would have one of the best lineups down the center. Now at the all-star break, the Devils could use some help down the center as super star Jack Hughes remains sidelined due to injury and Michael McLeod is out due to a personal leave of absence.
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Henrique would not be replacing Hughes as it is almost impossible to replace what he brings to the Devils lineup, but Henrique would be helping fill McLeod’s spot. Since no one knows how long McLeod will remain away from the Devils, finding someone to fill his spot and still be able to balance the lines is crucial if the Devils are looking to make a playoff push.
Henrique is currently playing for the Anaheim Ducks and despite the Ducks having a rough season, he has continued to produce. He has 16 goals and 17 assists for 32 points in 48 games.
With McLeod being out, the faceoff win percentage for the Devils has gone down drastically as he was the top faceoff man in the league. Having Henrique would be another option for a faceoff man as he currently has a 53.4% on the dot.
When talking about trades it is always important to remember the Devils have to give away draft picks or players. Since Henrique will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, it makes it easier to trade for him. The Ducks will not be asking for as much in return for him because his contract is expiring.
There is no doubt Henrique would be a good player to fill in some holes the Devils currently have in the lineup, but it could also boost fan and team morale as Henrique has always been a fan favorite and he brings a different sense of leadership to the room.
In May of 2012, the Devils and their rivals, the New York Rangers, faced off in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Devils led the series three-games-to-two, heading into overtime in game six on home ice. Just a few minutes into overtime, Henrique found a loose puck in the crease and put it into the back of the net to send the Devils to the Stanley Cup Finals.
That was not the first important overtime goal that the Canadian scored during that playoff run. In the series before, Henrique also found the back of the net in double overtime against the Florida Panthers to send the Devils through to the next round.
Henrique knew what it was like to go on an extraordinary playoff run and with a young team like the Devils, that is the type of player you need to be successful.
Will we see Henrique back in the red and black soon?
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