When the Edmonton Oilers acquired Adam Henrique at the 2024 trade deadline, they hoped his experience and skill set would give them the boost they needed to win the Stanley Cup.

The Oilers came up one game short of the Cup, but Henrique delivered. He helped anchor their 94 per cent penalty kill and outscored the opposition 10-7 at five-on-five during their playoff run that spring. Beneath those strong results, however, were some red flags.

First off, an on-ice save percentage of .940, which isn’t sustainable in the long run, boosted his playoff results. Second, Henrique lacked the pace to transport the puck or create in transition, instead relying on linemates to do most of the heavy lifting with the puck. He still had solid finishing ability, but wasn’t as dynamic anymore. He was 34 years old, and at that age, most players’ days in a top-nine role are either over or numbered.

No one would’ve blamed the Oilers for ending the relationship after one season, as he hit free agency on July 1, 2024. Instead, they ignored the alarm bells and made the bold decision to re-sign Henrique for two more seasons and trade their younger, faster third-line centre, Ryan McLeod. The result was disappointing.

Henrique’s speed and transition game regressed further in each of the past two seasons. All Three Zones ranked him in the sixth percentile in zone exits and the 25th percentile in zone entries in 2025-26. Additionally, NHL EDGE’s player-tracking system lists him among the league’s slowest skaters.

Predictably, Henrique’s offensive production plummeted alongside his physical decline. He ranked 409th in points per hour among forwards who played at least 200 minutes, and his shooting percentage fell below 10 per cent for the first time in his NHL career, all the way down to 3.3 per cent.

Declining speed and finish aren’t the only issues Henrique had this season. His goal suppression, which had been a strength since he arrived in Edmonton, also took a step back. The Oilers gave up 2.57 goals against per hour in Henrique’s minutes, which was respectable, but nowhere near enough to offset the lack of offence.

The one place where Henrique still thrived was on the penalty kill. He won over half of his faceoffs, and Connor McDavid was the only Oiler to have a greater impact on goals against on the PK.

The Oilers’ struggling penalty kill certainly benefits from his services, but I doubt we see Henrique return for a fourth season in Edmonton. The organization has shifted its focus to youth, and with Josh Samanski pushing for a full-time spot as fourth-line centre, letting Henrique walk in free agency is a logical step in that process.