5 former New Jersey Devils free agents to target this offseason
By Nick Villano
Adam Henrique
Pretty much since the Devils decided to trade him for Sami Vatanen, people have been mocking a new trade to send Adam Henrique back to the Devils. It never worked out, as the Anaheim Ducks kept him up until this past season, and they ended up getting a first-round pick and more in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers have not re-signed Henrique, and there haven’t been rumors that it’s going to happen, either. He did return from injury in Game 3 against the Dallas Stars and immediately scored a goal. If he continues scoring and the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, the team might feel compelled to send the man a blank check.
However, there’s a good chance the Oilers decide to let Henrique walk. He is 34 years old, and this is going to be his last long-term deal of his career. He will likely look for something like a three-year deal, and someone will give it to him.
Honestly, it wouldn’t be the worst thing if that team was the Devils. He’s said how much he liked it in New Jersey. As a rookie, he went to the Stanley Cup Final. He took a leadership role in Anaheim, and he can help these kids progress. The Devils could play him at center or wing. This is the type of player that could still contribute late in his career.