RUMOR: The Oilers Have Been Linked to Top-Six Forward
PUBLICATION
James Connelly
August 20, 2023 (3:44 PM)
The Oilers are looking at adding another top-six forward and could be targeting a player from a division rival.
Oilers Looking At Henrique
The Edmonton Oilers are always looking to improve as contenders. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way, the Oilers have one of the most potent offenses in the NHL. However, they always seem to fall short defensively.
It appears that Oilers GM Ken Holland is looking to acquire a more defensively responsible forward.
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic writes the following:
«Henrique of the Anaheim Ducks is close to an ideal candidate. He carries a cap hit of $5.825 million, which could be problematic but is not insurmountable. Henrique plays 35 percent of his five-on-five time versus elites according to Puck IQ. His possession number relative to teammates is strong against all opponents, including elites. Henrique's expected goal share five-on-five (45.4 percent) looks poor but shines like a diamond (No.1) compared to other Ducks centres»
Where Would Henrique Slot In?
While Henrique is a top-six center, he would likely slot in on the Oilers' 3rd line. McDavid and Draisaitl are just too dominant of a 1-2 punch for Henrique to break into the top six as a center.
However, the third line is not a bad place for Henrique considering his defensive dominance. He could be a part of the perfect third line that is able to shut down other teams' number one line.
The main problem with acquiring Henrique would be his cap hit. At $5.825 million, Henrique would push the Oilers well over the salary cap. Anaheim would need to retain salary which they can easily do but it would cost them.
To EDM:
Adam Henrique (50% salary retained)
To ANA:
Warren Foegele
Philip Broberg
2024 2nd round pick (upgrades to a 2024 1st if the Oilers win the cup)
While it would be an expensive price to pay to get Henrique, the Oilers would be able to have a deeper team and could make a cup run with Henrique centering the third line.
| POLL |
20 AOUT | 101 ANSWERS RUMOR: The Oilers Have Been Linked to Top-Six Forward Should the Oilers acquire Adam Henrique? |
| Yes | 61 | 60.4 % |
| No | 40 | 39.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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