Adam Henrique advances to the Stanley Cup Final 12 years after he made his first Final appearance with the New Jersey Devils in 2012.
EDMONTON -- On this day 12 years ago, Adam Henrique and the New Jersey Devils played the Los Angeles Kings in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final at Prudential Center.
The then-21-year-old finished his shift and skated to the bench for a change with six minutes remaining in overtime. Moments later, he watched Kings' forward Jeff Carter shoot the puck into New Jersey's net, signaling the red light and the end of the game.
It was a frustrating night in Newark as the Kings took a 2-0 series lead over the Devils.
But that was then.
Now, at 34 years old, Henrique is returning to the Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers.
On Sunday night, the Brantford, Ontario native joined his teammates in swarming goaltender Stuart Skinner in celebration as Edmonton eliminated the Dallas Stars in Game 6 at Rogers Place by a final score of 2-1.
The Oilers advance to face the Florida Panthers, who eliminated the New York Rangers on Saturday night. It is Edmonton's first Final appearance since 2006.
Utilized as a depth forward, Henrique appeared in ten postseason games for the Oilers and has two goals and two assists. He was briefly sidelined with a suspected ankle injury on May 10 but returned to action on May 27.
On March 6, the Anaheim Ducks traded Henrique to the Oilers in a three-team deal involving the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Between 2012 and 2024, Henrique only made the playoffs once in the 2017-18 season, with the Ducks playing four postseason games.
Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final will begin on Saturday, June 8 at 8:00 P.M. EST.