Let’s cut to the chase—one tick tock of the clock away from the trade deadline and the rumor mill is churning out narratives faster than a Zamboni on overdrive. Because apparently, when it comes to available centerpieces in the big league swap meet, the pickings are as thin as ice in May. Adam Henrique, the Ducks’ very own maestro of the middle, is catching glances left, right, and center (see what I did there?), with ESPN’s Kevin Weekes tweeting out the deets.
Now, Henrique ain’t no spring chicken at thirty-three, but don’t let a number fool you; this guy has been steadier than your grandpa on a lawn tractor. With a half dozen twenty-plus goal seasons snug in his stats, including his most recent puck parade last season, he’s nearly at it again, folks, netting twelve goals and dishing out fourteen assists. That’s a cool twenty-six points for Anaheim, who’s fourth on the team’s leaderboard—respectable, right?
But let’s talk about the real MVP material—defence. Henrique’s got this two-way play down like a science, being a matchup sensei and penalty-killing ninja, which, by the way, he’s been rocking for eons. This season’s no exception, as the man’s clocking in almost triple minutes in the sin bin and bosses the faceoff circle like it’s nobody’s business for the sixth straight curveball of a year.
So yeah, it’s no wonder other teams are scribbling love notes to the Ducks about him. Some squads see him as Mr. Reliable for a third-line gig, while others might throw him into second-line soirees. Not to mention, he’d sprinkle some magic on just about any team’s penalty killing hoodoo.
But, twist alert: Henrique comes with a hefty price tag, tripping up on a $5.825MM cap hit. It’s as heavy as your aunt’s fruitcake, and not everyone can stomach that. Sure, the Ducks could eat half to grease the trade wheels, but we’re still talking a pro-rated jackpot of $2.9125MM, which is a big ask in a broke league. That could mean the Ducks might have to play hot potato with Henrique’s contract or find a third wheel to sweeten the pot—either way, Henrique’s name isn’t dropping off the hot stove anytime soon.
So, strap in and keep an eye on this deep-Duck drama because come March 8th, there’s a nifty chance that Henrique will be ducking out to a new pond. And now, courtesy of USA Today Sports Images, take a gander at the man of the hour in action.