The Edmonton Oilers were busy before the March 8 Trade Deadline, acquiring Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from the Anaheim Ducks in a move that bolstered their bottom-six forward group.
It was a bit of a slow start for the 34-year-old Henrique, but he scored his first goal with the Oilers during their 3-2 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.
Averaging 15:09 through six games, it appears that he’s starting to carve out a third-line checking role on a team that hopes to make a deep playoff run.
As for Carrick, the 32-year-old made his presence known immediately with a fight against the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Mathieu Olivier in his first game, followed by another against Montreal Canadiens’ forward Michael Mezzetta.
On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk is joined by former NHLers Carter Hutton and Luke Gazdic to discuss the additions of Henrique and Carrick and how much they can move the needle for Edmonton.
Carter Hutton: It took Adam Henrique six games to get his first goal. What has his impact been for the Oilers?
Luke Gazdic: I can see how they’re starting to want to use him, and that’s in that third-line checking role. It’s looking like that’s how head coach Kris Knoblauch wants to use against top units, and that’s what Adam can bring you: strength up the middle.
I’m glad Henrique scored his first goal, and I’m sure he’s feeling good. Tyler mentioned off-air but Sam Carrick has been another great addition for Edmonton. I know I hyped him up, I played with him in the AHL with San Diego, he’s got a few scraps.
I like what they’ve done up the middle, they’re stronger, and Henrique is going to be great for them both on and off the ice.
You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…
More must-reads: