The Edmonton Oilers showed their commitment to winning by acquiring Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from the Anaheim Ducks, making a big impression at the 2024 Trade Deadline. The Oilers were able to make further moves by adding defenseman Troy Stecher since they both had money retained on their contracts. The Oilers added Henrique in the hopes that he could improve their depth at both ends of the rink, while Stecher was brought in as a seventh defense and Carrick as a bottom-six forward. He has shown in his first few games with the team that he can contribute to their lineup in the closing minutes.
There have already been rumors during their brief tenure with the Oilers that the team is considering re-signing Henique and Carrick. They appear to be focusing some of their emphasis toward the upcoming season in an effort to stay competitive, even though their main goal this season is to win the Stanley Cup. There is definitely some concern within the franchise regarding their ability to retain both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as both players will shortly require contract extensions. But if they can demonstrate their desire to succeed and add players who can support them, they could be able to stay, which is why the two recent acquisitions may get extensions. This piece examines the possible costs of extensions for each player.
Potential Adam Henrique Extension
Henrique is a 34-year-old left-shot forward from Brantford, Ontario, who stands 6 feet, 194 pounds. He was drafted in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils at 82nd overall after a strong showing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Windsor Spitfires. Henrique scored 20 goals in his draft year and added 24 assists for 44 points in 66 games. He returned to the Spitfires the following season, scoring 30 goals and 33 assists for 63 points in 56 games. During his final season with the Spitfires in 2009-10, he scored 38 goals and added 39 assists for 77 points in 54 games.
Since making his debut in the 2010-11 season with the Devils, Henrique has played on the Devils, Ducks, and now Oilers, having established himself as an elite two-way forward with a strong offensive touch. In over 894 career games in the NHL, Henrique scored 257 goals and added 265 assists for 522 points, which is a 0.58 points-per-game average. Before being dealt from the Ducks, Henrique had 42 points through 60 games. With the Oilers through four games so far, he has one assist and has been a huge part of their third line.
Henrique could be the perfect third-line centreman moving forward for the Oilers, which makes him valuable. The Oilers have lacked solid depth in the past several seasons, so bringing him back would be smart and could give them one of the strongest bottom-six forward groups in the NHL. It’s likely an extension for Henrique, which looks like a two- or three-year deal worth between $3 million and $4 million per season. Hopefully, the Oilers can bring him back on a solid contract and continue filling out their roster in the offseason.
Potential Sam Carrick Extension
Carrick is a 32-year-old right-shot forward from Stouffville, Ontario, who stands 6 feet, 201 pounds. The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft after a solid OHL showing with the Brampton Battalion. Carrick scored 21 goals in his draft year and added 21 assists for 42 points in 66 games. He returned to the Battalion over the next two seasons and finished his OHL career with 84 goals and 85 assists for 169 points in 254 games, a 0.67 points-per-game average.
Throughout eight seasons, Carrick has scored 26 goals and added 22 assists for 48 points in 227 NHL games, which has resulted in a 0.21 points-per-game average. He was held pointless in his first three games with the Oilers, but he decided to drop the gloves and prove he was a physical asset the Oilers could continue to utilize in their bottom six. Realistically, an extension for Carrick is a two or three-year deal worth between $800,000 and $925,000. It should be a no-brainer if this is all it costs to bring him back. His faceoff percentage has been terrific this season, at 73.1%.
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