As the Edmonton Oilers continue to look for a trade to take Andrew Mangiapane off the roster, the organization will likely look for other ways to free up additional cap space. With the Anaheim Ducks a possible suitor for Mangiapane, could Edmonton make a two-for trade that would return the winger and a former Duck to Anaheim?
Adam Henrique is an ex-Duck and fits right up the alley of what that franchise is looking for these days.
On paper it sounds unlikely. Henrique refused to waive his no-trade clause earlier this summer, eliminating any real option for the Oilers to move the veteran and wipe his $3 million off their books. But circumstances change – and so do the incentives.
The Oilers are not the same “sure thing” they once were. The Ducks are struggling, but they have a much-improved roster with some top young talent. The Oilers may run out of opportunities to play Henrique as they shake things up. Meanwhile, the Ducks are looking for experienced NHLers to help usher in their youngsters.
With the Oilers increasingly motivated to move salary and the Anaheim Ducks exploring veteran signings, the idea of Henrique returning to a big-name organization is at least worth re-examining.
Would Henrique be open to a return to Anaheim?
Henrique knows Anaheim. He probably feels comfortable there, is respected in that room and understands the expectations of the market. More importantly, the Ducks are looking to take steps forward and stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race. That context matters.
From Edmonton’s perspective, a deal with Anaheim is attractive. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has already linked the Ducks to Mangiapane, noting Anaheim’s cap space and interest in adding proven NHL forwards. Of course, if the Ducks are willing to help the Oilers solve multiple issues at once — roster balance, cap structure and lineup clarity — conversations can go beyond a one-on-one framework.
That’s where Henrique gets interesting.
Would returning to a place he knows, in a team that wants to compete sooner or later, be enough to convince him this time? Possibly. Especially when the alternative is ending up in trading limbo or watching from the press box in Edmonton. The focus is on guys like Trent Frederic and Mangiapane, but Henrique has also not scored for a while. Since November 1, he has no goals and only four assists.
This isn’t about a blockbuster. It’s about fit, timing and leverage. The Ducks have flexibility. The Oilers have urgency. And Henrique’s no-trade clause doesn’t mean “never” – it means “convince me.”
If Anaheim and Edmonton get back together, it would suit the Oilers to see if they can move more than $6 million in salary to the Ducks, freeing up room for other moves.
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