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Adam Henrique has come a long way since being drafted by New Jersey in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The former 3rd round pick has won two Memorial Cups with Windsor (including an MVP on a team with Taylor Hall, Cam Fowler, etc.) and a Silver Medal with Canada at the World Juniors since being selected. Henrique was also a Calder finalist in his rookie campaign, and played a pivotal role as a rookie for the Devils en route to a Stanley Cup appearance.

After a very successful rookie season centering all-stars Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, Henrique took a bit of a step back playing on a poor offensive team during the lockout shortened campaign. Henrique managed just 11 goals and 16 points in 42 games.

Some suggested he was just a byproduct of playing with two superstars in his rookie year, and wondered if he was worth paying to keep around.

Lou Lamoriello took plenty of time with this negotiation, but late last summer managed to get Henrique locked up to a six-year, $24 million deal.

It looks like that was a wise decision, as the 24-year-old bounced back in a big way to the tune of 25 goals and 40+ points on a team that struggled mightily to put the puck in the net. Henrique produced, played in all situations and also had a plus-12 penalty differential, which was best on the team.

He has recorded at least 43 points in his only two full seasons, and at 24 years of age there's no reason to believe he won't continue to get better.

He was a scorer in junior, the AHL, and has shown the ability to fill the net and produce points in the NHL, too.

In today's NHL it's very tough to get quality players signed to cap friendly deals long-term, and Lamoriello managed to do just that with Henrique.

When you factor in his track record of playoff excellence (in junior and in the NHL) and his ability to play big minutes while contributing in any situation, Henrique's actual value is higher than the price value he carries.

With the cap expected to raise significantly in the near future, Henrique's contract will continue to look better.



Devils posts

On Timonen, Del Zotto and the Metro Division

Comparing Zajac, Jagr to NHL's elite duos

Talking shootouts

Early Metro Division predictions

On Metro Division goaltending

On Travis Zajac and Mike Cammalleri

Jackets posts

Where will Columbus finish in the Metro?

Blue Jackets like analytics, except when it comes to Johnson

James Wisniewski among NHL's elite PP defensemen

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