The Oilers have signed Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, while also bringing back Connor Brown and Corey Perry.
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports that Adam Henrique is expected to return to Edmonton. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period adds that Henrique will get a two-year deal with a $3M cap hit.
Henrique’s new deal makes the first-round pick given up for him at the trade deadline worth it. After joining from the Ducks, he scored nine points in 22 games, which is less than his pace with Anaheim. He had some injury issues during playoffs but still managed to shine when needed, scoring four goals and three assists in 17 games. Two of those goals were game-winners .
Cap Space Concerns:
Despite limited cap space, Edmonton has improved their forward group significantly. However, with Henrique’s $3M cap hit, they are now roughly $2.5M over the salary cap for next season. It remains uncertain if they will clear this by trading a forward or defenseman.
Fans might think this move shows how serious the Oilers are about winning next season.
If Henrique can produce closer to his previous 50-point pace with the Ducks, even just for half of his new contract, it would be a great deal for acting GM Jeff Jackson. The Oilers seem determined to make another strong run next season with key players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid nearing contract ends.
With Arvidsson and Skinner expected in top roles according to Jackson, Henrique will likely play on Ryan McLeod’s wing on the third line next season.
What do you think about these moves?
