Oilers Deadline Idea: Old Team Could Change Henrique’s Trade Stance

As the Edmonton Oilers continue searching for a trade to move Andrew Mangiapane off the roster, the organization will likely seek other ways to clear additional cap space. With the Anaheim Ducks a possible suitor for Mangiapane, could Edmonton swing a two-for trade that would see the winger and a former Duck head back to Anaheim?

Adam Henrique is an ex-Duck, and right up the alley of what that franchise might be looking for these days.

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On paper, it sounds unlikely. Henrique declined to waive his no-trade clause earlier this summer, shutting down any real option for the Oilers to move the veteran and clear off his $3 million from their books. But circumstances change — and so do 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 elite young talent. It’s possible the Oilers might run out of opportunities to play Henrique as they shuffle things around. Meanwhile, the Ducks are looking for experienced NHLers to help usher in their young kids.

With the Oilers increasingly motivated to move salary and the Anaheim Ducks exploring veteran additions, the idea of Henrique returning to a familiar organization is at least worth revisiting.

Would Henrique Be Open to an Anaheim Return?

Henrique knows Anaheim. He’s probably comfortable there, respected in that room, and understands the expectations of the market. More importantly, the Ducks are trying to take steps forward and stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race. That context matters.

From Edmonton’s perspective, a deal with Anaheim has appeal. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has already linked the Ducks to Mangiapane, noting Anaheim’s cap space and interest in adding proven NHL forwards. If the Ducks are willing to help the Oilers solve multiple problems at once — roster balance, cap structure, and lineup clarity — conversations could naturally expand beyond a one-for-one framework.

That’s where Henrique becomes interesting.

Would returning to a place he’s familiar with, on a team looking to contend sooner rather than later, be enough to sway him this time? Possibly. Especially if the alternative is being caught in trade limbo or watching from the press box in Edmonton. The focus is on guys like Trent Frederic and Mangiapane, but Henrique hasn’t scored in some time, either. Since November 1st, 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 do circle back to each other, it would suit the Oilers well to see if they can move over $6 million in salary to the Ducks, freeing up cap space to make other moves.

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