Edmonton Oilers make shocking signing to retain biggest trade deadline addition

As per Elliotte Friedman, Henrique will sign for two years at $3M each year.

It was previously reported that Henrique would be gathering far too many offers in free agency for the Oilers to afford to retain him, making this signing incredibly surprising to see. After the Oilers 12 other free agent signings today it looked like Henrique was surely on his way out, but new President Jeff Jackson has put on an absolute clinic today.

Henrique was a slightly underwhelming addition at the trade deadline for Oilers fans, but he exceeded expectations and fit seamlessly into the Oilers lineup. Henrique only scored 6 goals and 9 points in 22 regular season games, but had a fantastic playoffs, and his versatility in the lineup allowed bottom six forwards to settle into their roles perfectly.

Prior to signing Adam Henrique, the Oilers had less than $1.5M in salary cap space. They'll likely be over the cap after this signing, and will need to clear a contract off the roster. Right now, insiders have identified Evander Kane and Cody Ceci as prime candidates to be traded in the coming weeks.

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The Edmonton Oilers were perhaps the biggest winners of free agency this year, improving their roster at every position and making their league best offence even more elite. Coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance, the entire hockey world will expect the Oilers to repeat at least that - or win the Stanley Cup outright - after today's incredible moves by President Jeff Jackson.

Source: Ryan Rishaug