
Adam Henrique
In addition to the other previously mentioned issues, the Devils have also lacked veteran leadership. The team seems to believe that ‘veteran leadership’ comes from whatever free agent they sign that summer.
While Tomas Tatar is popular in the Devils’ locker room, and Ondrej Palat was popular in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s locker room, neither player appears to be a vocal leader. Nico Hischier is the “lead by example” type on the ice, and it doesn’t seem to be influencing the team either way. Miles Wood and Damon Severson talk big games, but neither has backed it up in the past.
In Wood’s defense, he’s been impressive in limited ice time this season and bought the team a goal against the Red Wings to tie the game at 2-2 after choking the 1-0 lead.
Similarly to the New Jersey Devils, the Anaheim Ducks are beginning a youth movement out in California. Still on the Ducks is none other than former Devil Adam Henrique, who, despite now being 32 years old (33 in February) is still a reliable goal scorer and faceoff taker.
Henrique knows what it really means to be a leader and to be a leader on the Devils. His versatility, experience, leadership, and familiarity with the organization and location would provide massive boosts for a young team that appears to be lost right now.
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At his age, ‘Rico’ is still a solid middle-bottom six presence who can play in any game situation and any forward position. Henrique will be making $5.825m this year and next year, but it won’t take too much effort for the Devils to make the requisite space for his contract. Plus, if the price is right, Anaheim could retain 50%. The Ducks currently have around $14m in cap space, but will soon need to extend blossoming star Trevor Zegras and newcomer John Klingberg in addition to retooling and improving their roster.
A Henrique return should bring some of the old Devils spirit back.