Analyst Lists 7 Potential Destinations For Adam Henrique
The Anaheim Ducks are holding a pretty valuable piece in the trade market right now, as Adam Henrique holds the distinction of being the top center available for those in need up the middle. Top options Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan have already been scooped up (by Vancouver and Winnipeg).
With that, the demand is outstripping the supply on the center market, and the Ducks can drive a hard bargain for the pending UFA, whose $5.825 million cap hit expires after the season. Hockey analyst Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff has listed the seven potential destinations (in alphabetical order) that Henrique could find himself plying his trade with by March 8th.
1. Boston Bruins
The B's were making out fine at center this season despite the retirements last summer of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. But the recent loss of rookie center Matthew Poitras to a season-ending shoulder injury has them looking for a replacement, and Henrique could be it. Problem is, they don't have many assets to offer, and they have no cap space. Ducks would have to retain 50%, and come off some of their draft pick asks.
2. Colorado Avalanche
Another Cup contender looking for a forward upgrade. But they are also draft-pick shy in the next couple of Drafts and would have to get creative with the Ducks.
3. Dallas Stars
This would reunite Henrique with his 2nd NHL coach, Pete DeBoer, with whom he had plenty of success.
4. Florida Panthers
Henrique has versatility and can play at center or on the wing; the Panthers could use one more player like that in their top-nine.
5. New Jersey Devils
This would be a comfortable reunion for Henrique, with the team that drafted him in the third-round in 2008, and where he spent the first 7 1/2 years of his career.
6. New York Rangers
After losing their third-line center Filip Chytil for the season, Henrique would be a perfect fit in the Rangers lineup.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs
Any boost to their bottom-six would be a big win for the Leafs, who have been searching for some help for their Core Four up front all season long.
Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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