With the Anaheim Ducks currently sitting 30th out of 32 teams, they will likely be one of the biggest sellers from now until the trade deadline. Let’s take a look at the Ducks’ player who is seen as most likely to be dealt to a playoff contender and which teams he could be dealt to.
Adam Henrique
Adam Henrique is the one skater in Anaheim who is gaining the most traction from teams around the league. Henrique has been on the Ducks for seven seasons now after he was traded for Sami Vatanen during the 2017 NHL season. When Henrique came to Anaheim, he quickly became a fan favorite, putting up 36 points in 57 games in the 2017-18 season. This season, Henrique has put up 28 points (14 goals and 14 assists) in 45 games and ranks 3rd on the team in points.
Henrique is the epitome of an intelligent veteran forward; he plays responsible hockey at both ends of the ice and is a large contributor to both the power play and the penalty kill in Anaheim. He has become a great setup man in the bumper on the powerplay and also does a wonderful job at converting on scoring opportunities.
With Adam Henrique getting shipped and the Ducks retaining 50% of his cap hit, he can very well be worth a first round pick and maybe could go for a second, with no cap retention, which would be unlikely considering the cap space available to Anaheim and how much more they can get by using as much of that up as possible.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are likely to be among the first teams expressing interest in acquiring Adam Henrique. With the need for a boost in their top 9 lineup and the unfortunate season-long absences of Landeskog and Francouz, the Avalanche find themselves with additional cap space for potential rental acquisitions. Notably, the history of a trade between the Avs and Ducks two seasons ago, where they exchanged Josh Manson for prospect Nikita Nesterenko and a (2023) 2nd round pick (resulting in the Ducks selecting Carey Terrance), sets a precedent.
If the Ducks are open to retaining 50% of Henrique’s contract, a similar return could be expected for the veteran forward in a potential deal with the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs, aiming to strengthen their roster for a playoff push, would likely view Henrique as a valuable addition to address their current roster challenges.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers find themselves with a cap space exceeding 4 million dollars and a pressing need for a centerman to bolster their top 9 lineup, particularly someone capable of making significant contributions on the power play. The absence of Chytil due to a concussion has intensified the team’s quest for a suitable replacement to fill the current gap and serve as a scoring threat in the top 9 as the playoffs approach. The Rangers are actively seeking a player who can seamlessly step into Chytil’s role, providing offensive prowess and versatility, especially in powerplay situations.
New Jersey Devils
Rumors have been swirling around the New Jersey Devils’ interest in acquiring two key players from the Anaheim Ducks this season—goaltender John Gibson and center Adam Henrique. The potential package deal could see the Ducks receiving a substantial return in the form of prospects and picks from the Devils, with New Jersey also possibly absorbing a portion of the salary.
Adam Henrique’s emotional return to New Jersey this season was highlighted by a memorable achievement—his first career hat trick, a noteworthy feat accomplished against his former team. From the perspective of Tom Fitzgerald, the Devils’ general manager, it appears that he views New Jersey as a prime trade partner for the Ducks. The abundance of assets at the Devils’ disposal makes them an attractive option for Anaheim, providing Verbeek, the Ducks’ general manager, with a multitude of choices when considering potential trades with the Devils.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are actively exploring options to enhance their roster for a deep playoff run, and the addition of Adam Henrique is on their radar. With the versatility to seamlessly fit into their top 9 lineup, whether as a center or a left winger, Henrique brings valuable experience and scoring prowess.
While there has been speculation about the potential trade of Jake DeBrusk, recent developments suggest otherwise. DeBrusk has shown a notable uptick in performance, registering four points in the last two games. His recent success raises questions about whether he will remain a key part of the Bruins’ lineup or become a trade asset. Keeping a close eye on DeBrusk’s performance will likely provide insights into Boston’s trade decisions as they gear up for the playoff push.
Henrique’s Trade Value
In the scenario where Adam Henrique is traded, and the Ducks retain 50% of his cap hit, his value could potentially fetch a first-round pick. The added flexibility in Anaheim’s cap space due to the retention could make such a deal more attractive for potential trade partners. While a second-round pick without cap retention is less likely, the dynamics of the trade market, including the cap space available to Anaheim and the desire to maximize returns, may influence the final negotiation.
The retained cap space becomes a crucial factor, allowing the Ducks to optimize their assets in the trade and potentially secure a more favorable return, possibly including a first-round pick. The specifics of the deal will depend on various factors, including the market demand, the interested team’s needs, and the overall trade landscape leading up to the deadline.
Episode 129: Oops! All Cats – Late Arrivals: An Anaheim Ducks Podcast
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