Veteran Oilers forward may be at risk for huge demotion this season
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
Veteran Oilers forward Adam Henrique is at risk of being passed on the depth chart, and potentially out of the lineup this season.
Reports surfaced in the offseason that the Edmonton Oilers approached several players to waive their no-trade clauses, including Adam Henrique. Now 35 years old, he'll have to prove he can still keep this year.
Oilers forward Adam Henrique at risk of being passed in depth chart by younger players
Aside from the rest of the depth chart though, there's a concerning trend emerging with Henrique. Analysts at OilersNation have identified that his game has been on the decline for multiple seasons now in multiple key areas.
»Over the last few seasons, Henrique has
* seen his point production decline;
* been negatively impacting his team's ability to control shots and scoring chances at even-strength; and
* hasn't had a positive impact on the special teams, specifically the penalty kill.»
* seen his point production decline;
* been negatively impacting his team's ability to control shots and scoring chances at even-strength; and
* hasn't had a positive impact on the special teams, specifically the penalty kill.»
Last season, Henrique only put up 12 goals and 27 points in 82 games. The veteran center was used mostly in bottom-six minutes and penalty killing, where he also saw his effectiveness decline.
If the Oilers are able to introduce both Savoie and Howard to the NHL lineup, Henrique could see his role reduced to that of a 4th line center - with quality players behind him ready to take the role.
Entering the final year of his contract paying $3M, the Oilers will surely give Henrique the first opportunity to stick in the NHL lineup.
However, if he struggles throughout the season, it wouldn't be surprising to see him hit the press box in the spring in favour of a younger players behind.
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