Insider reveals how much Adam Henrique left on the table to stay in Edmonton

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Cooper Godin
September 2, 2024 (8:29)

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Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique reportedly rejected an offer for a bigger payday with another Canadian team.

When Adam Henrique joined the Edmonton Oilers through a trade with the Anaheim Ducks back in March, many expected him just to be a rental before hitting the free agent market on Canada Day.

Once Canada Day rolled around, Henrique evaluated his options but decided that he felt at home with the Edmonton Oilers and agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $6 million USD ($3 million AAV) to remain with the organization.

However, it appears that the Edmonton Oilers weren't the only Canadian team in the mix to sign Adam Henrique in this summer's free agency window.

According to Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal, Henrique turned down an offer from the Winnipeg Jets for two-years at $3.5 million per season. While he only took a $500,000 discount to remain with the Oilers, it's certainly a big amount for a team like Edmonton who is tight to the cap.

"A contact of mine in Winnipeg who has knowledge of the conversations says that Adam Henrique turned down a 2-year, $3.5m contract from the Winnipeg Jets at free agency this summer. Instead, he opted for the Oilers on a 2-year, $3m deal to stay in Edmonton. While $500k may not seem like a lot in an $88m cap world, that is about two thirds that of a minimum salaried player." Leavins said.

Henrique, 34, appeared in 22 regular season games with the Oilers after his trade from the Anaheim Ducks, where he went on to register nine points (six goals, three assists), four penalty minutes and was a plus-six. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Henrique had seven points in 17 games.

The Brantford, Ontario native will likely be Edmonton's third line centerman next season, and there are endless options on who could be his wingers to start the year, including Vasily Podkolzin, Jeff Skinner, Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark.

Source: Kurt Leavins/Edmonton Journal
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