Adam Henrique on injuries, trade rumors and playing with Leo Carlsson

Adam Henrique discusses a myriad of topics with The Hockey News’ Derek Lee.

IRVINE, Calif. - Trade rumors have begun to swell around Adam Henrique, whose five-year, $29.1 million deal that he signed in 2018 comes to an end when the 2023-24 season concludes.

With the Ducks once again closer to winning the draft lottery than making the playoffs, Henrique’s name has been bandied about as a potential addition for playoff contenders looking for forward depth. The New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche are all teams that could use his services.

As for the player himself, he is simply focused on continuing to better his game and help his current team win.

“No conversations,” said Henrique when asked what the conversations have been like between him and general manager Pat Verbeek. “We just wait and see. It’s—for the most part—out of my control... Try to kind of block out everything else. You certainly think about it a bit. But like I said, some of it is out of my control.”

Henrique is a versatile player, able to play both on the wing and down the middle. He also plays a key role on the power play and penalty kill. His versatility is part of what makes him appealing to potential suitors, able to move all around the lineup and still succeed.

Currently, Henrique is playing on Anaheim’s top line as the left flank to Leo Carlsson. The pair have been linemates for the past five games, with the veteran collecting seven points in those five contests. Henrique is also currently riding a six-game point streak and has failed to score in just two of the Ducks’ last 12 games.

“Playing with Leo has been great,” said Henrique. “To see his game come a long way all season. How he possesses the puck, how he dominates the game from the center ice position. He’s been a lot of fun to play with."

Troy Terry has also been a frequent linemate of Henrique's although Ryan Strome is now the right-side counterpart for the Ducks' top line.

"Troy is certainly a lot of fun to play with," continued Henrique. "He does the same thing (as Carlsson). I think he takes over the game when he has the puck on his stick and really controls it. And then playing with Stromer is kind of very similar. Those guys see the ice so well and want to possess the puck and make plays."

"So for me, I just try to play a simple, hard game. Try to get those guys the puck, try to get to open areas, try to get to the front of the net, that sort of thing. I think there’s a good combination between the three of us and hopefully we can kind of keep our chemistry going and keep it rolling.”

Injuries have plagued the Ducks this season, with significant injuries to Trevor Zegras and Alex Killorn–two of Anaheim's top forwards–limiting them to a combined 54 games. Neither has come close to the offensive totals they've put up in seasons past either, in part due to those injuries.

Carlsson also recently returned from a sprained MCL which kept him out for a month while rookie defenseman Pavel Mintyukov is close to returning from a separated shoulder that he suffered a month ago.

"It feels like we’ve been close (to full health) before and then more guys have gotten injured and it’s just kind of been that revolving door," said Henrique. "I don’t know if we’ve been (fully) healthy all season, which is unfortunate because I think if we are, we’re a deep team. To see those guys skating and getting close to coming back is definitely a boost for the group. We don’t know when that will be, but hopefully sooner rather than later.”