Edmonton Oilers Reportedly Pushing to Re-Sign Key Pending Unrestricted Free Agent Amidst Critical Offseason Shifts and Stanley Cup Aspirations
The Edmonton Oilers’ 2024–25 season came to a heartbreaking end just short of glory, but the franchise is wasting no time diving into a crucial offseason that could define their Stanley Cup future. Among the major priorities? Locking down one of their most important unrestricted free agents (UFA), a player whose leadership, performance, and presence on and off the ice have made him essential to the team’s recent success.
Amid the aftershocks of a deep playoff run and lingering questions about the team’s core, reports indicate the Oilers are making an aggressive push to re-sign veteran forward Adam Henrique. Henrique, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Anaheim Ducks, immediately established himself as a vital cog in the Oilers’ lineup. His two-way play, faceoff prowess, and ability to slot anywhere in the top nine brought balance to a team heavily reliant on its top stars.
Now, as Henrique officially hits the open market, the Oilers front office—led by general manager Jeff Jackson and head coach Kris Knoblauch—is making it a priority to retain the versatile forward before July 1. The interest in keeping Henrique in Edmonton is reportedly mutual, with sources close to the situation saying he enjoyed the competitive environment and championship mentality surrounding Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, cap space is tight, and the Oilers must walk a financial tightrope to keep their window open.
Henrique’s impact on the Oilers was immediately evident after his acquisition. He played a crucial shutdown role during the postseason, often tasked with difficult defensive assignments while also chipping in timely goals. At 34 years old, he brings not only experience but also a calm demeanor and playoff savvy that complemented the team’s fast-paced, high-octane offense.
Henrique finished the regular season with 24 goals and 27 assists in 74 games split between the Ducks and Oilers. More importantly, his defensive reliability and penalty-killing ability allowed stars like McDavid and Draisaitl to conserve energy and focus on driving offense. In the playoffs, he added key goals and led by example, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.
“Adam was everything we hoped for and more,” said coach Knoblauch in a recent interview. “He brought stability to our middle six, was great in the room, and showed up when it mattered. Players like him are hard to replace.”
Still, the financial implications of a new Henrique deal are significant. The Oilers, like most contenders, face a difficult cap situation. With McDavid and Draisaitl already consuming a large portion of the team’s cap space—and Draisaitl eligible for an extension soon—the front office must juggle long-term flexibility with short-term goals. The salary cap increase to $88 million offers some breathing room, but not much.
Henrique, who earned $5.825 million annually on his previous contract, may need to accept a pay cut to remain in Edmonton. That seems likely, given his age and the limited spending power of contending teams. Reports suggest the Oilers are offering a two-year deal in the $3 million range per season, with incentives and performance bonuses potentially sweetening the pot. Henrique’s camp is reportedly open to that range, especially if term and role align with his expectations.
In addition to Henrique, the Oilers have other UFA decisions looming. Forward Warren Foegele, defenseman Vincent Desharnais, and goaltender Calvin Pickard are also hitting the market. However, none carry the same two-way importance or playoff résumé Henrique brings. There’s a strong belief within the Oilers’ organization that retaining Henrique should be the top priority.
Behind the scenes, Connor McDavid and Draisaitl are believed to be advocating for Henrique’s return. McDavid, in particular, was impressed by Henrique’s dedication and on-ice IQ during the playoff grind. That kind of endorsement can carry significant weight in organizational decisions, especially when superstars have buy-in on personnel.
Oilers management is also aware that team chemistry was at an all-time high during their playoff run. Henrique’s leadership fit seamlessly into a locker room that had matured under adversity. Losing a player like that—especially if the team fails to replace him adequately—could create a ripple effect both on the ice and within the culture.
If Henrique returns, he’s expected to resume his role as a middle-six center who can shift to wing if needed, kill penalties, win key faceoffs, and play late in tight games. That versatility is vital for a team that aims to return to the Stanley Cup Final next season and finally break through with a championship.
Meanwhile, the market for veteran forwards is heating up as July 1 approaches. Henrique may have suitors outside Edmonton, particularly from playoff teams looking for experienced depth down the middle. However, many of those teams face similar cap constraints and may not offer the stability or championship proximity that the Oilers present.
The Oilers are also aware that time is of the essence. If they fail to lock Henrique down before free agency opens, they risk a bidding war—or losing him to another contender. It’s a delicate balancing act, one that requires both sides to compromise but ultimately share the same vision: win now, without compromising the future.
Beyond Henrique, the Oilers’ offseason could be defined by other pivotal moves. Draisaitl’s looming contract extension (he becomes a UFA in 2026) will hang over all decisions, as Edmonton must prove to its superstar core that the franchise is committed to winning long-term. Re-signing Henrique would send a strong signal in that direction.
Other roster tweaks may include finding a right-shot defenseman to support Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, as well as potential forward depth to offset possible losses. But keeping Henrique is the foundational piece. He’s the kind of player championship teams don’t let walk away without a fight.
Fans in Edmonton are watching closely. Henrique quickly became a fan favorite during the playoff run, with his hustle, smarts, and playoff grit standing out in clutch moments. His goal in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, a gritty rebound in front of the net, brought Rogers Place to its feet and became one of the defining moments of the postseason.
Social media has been ablaze with support for Henrique’s return, with hashtags like #RunItBackHenrique trending in Oilers fan circles. Supporters recognize that while Edmonton’s stars drive the headlines, it’s the depth pieces—the Henriques of the world—who often make the difference between an early exit and a deep run.
For Henrique himself, the decision may come down to one simple question: Does he want to finish his career chasing a Cup in Edmonton, or explore potentially more lucrative offers in less competitive environments?
If his comments at locker cleanout day are any indication, the answer is clear.
“I’ve been in this league a long time, and I’ve never been this close to the Cup,” Henrique told reporters. “You feel the hunger in this room. You see the commitment. It’s special. If I get the chance to come back, I’d love to.”
Those words echoed across the locker room and into the front office, where Jackson and his staff are working overtime to ensure that chance becomes reality.
The Oilers aren’t just building a team—they’re building a legacy. And for a group that has tasted the brink of greatness, letting go of a piece like Adam Henrique feels like a step backward. The franchise knows it, the fans know it, and most importantly, the players know it.
This offseason, Edmonton has a chance to solidify its identity and retain the kind of player who bridges stars and role players, youth and experience, finesse and grit. The message is simple: Henrique matters. And if all goes well, he’ll be back wearing the Oil drop in 2025.
