Adam Henrique chose to stay with the Edmonton Oilers this summer instead of accepting a better offer from the Winnipeg Jets, Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal has reported. Henrique joined the Oilers at the 2024 trade deadline and signed a two-year extension worth $3 million per year.
Henrique’s decision was significant because he turned down a two-year, $3.5 million offer from the Jets, per Leavins. Despite the $500,000 difference, Henrique valued his chance to win a Stanley Cup more than the extra money.
“A contact of mine in Winnipeg who has knowledge of the conversations says that Adam Henrique turned down a two-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 via the Edmonton Journal.
The Oilers, close to their first championship since 1990, have a strong team led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. In the 2023-24 season, Henrique played 82 games, scoring 24 goals and 27 assists for a total of 51 points.
Adam Henrique aiming for Stanley Cup after extension with Oilers
Adam Henrique signed a contract extension with the Oilers because he and the team saw this as a good move. Henrique is aiming for another Stanley Cup run, especially after the Oilers’ recent final loss.
Henrique explained that familiarity with the team and the chance to win were key reasons for re-signing.
“To be back and have the opportunity to be in the playoffs really did rejuvenate me,” Henrique said (via NHL.com). “Being on a rebuilding team for a number of years, it’s hard.”
Playing in front of Edmonton’s fans again also excited him. Henrique talked about sacrificing ice time and money for a chance to win the Stanley Cup, saying:
“I think on the rebuilding teams, the roles and things are different rather than being on a Cup contending team and that was something I was all for at this point in my career. Maybe you sacrifice a bit of ice time or money at the end of the day, but to have the opportunity to win and to play in front of those fans was special for me.”
The Oilers are now focused on strengthening their team to win the Stanley Cup next season. In the NHL draft, the Oilers traded back into the first round to pick Sam O’Reilly. They also selected goaltender Eemil Vinni in the second round. Later picks included Connor Clattenburg, Albin Sundin, Dalyn Wakely, William Nicholl and Bauer Berry.
