Adam Henrique has found a home with the Anaheim Ducks.
Before you can fully understand the scope of the statement above - you have to understand that Rico was/is beloved in New Jersey. To say the 27-year-old was a fan favorite would be doing his relationship with the Devils and their fans a grave injustice.
He wasn't just a New Jersey Devil. He was the New Jersey Devils.
Henrique collected 257 points (122g 135a) in 455 games over eight seasons with the Devils. He scored more than 20 goals in three seasons, including 30 goals in 2015-16. He grew up in the Devils organization and quickly entrenched himself as the face of the franchise. Through his amazing charity work and his affable and approachable demeanor, Henrique was more than just another hockey player to Jersey fans.
And of course there is this....
"Henrique! It's over!" Words that still give me goosebumps and butterflies. That goal, that single goal transformed Henrique from just another hockey player, to a hockey hero. He could have never scored another goal for Devils, but he had that one.
But... and there is always a "but." The Devils, as an organization, were going another direction. New Jersey adopted a speedy, uptempo game. And the sudden plethora of talented forwards had Henrique playing less minutes and becoming less of a factor in the offense.
Henrique is the one player I thought would never wear another sweater. That is until I saw him in a Ducks jersey. I'll admit it was odd at first, but a shift or two and I knew it was a perfect match.
Decimated by injuries and especially thin up the middle, the Ducks had to do something to keep themselves afloat. They were able to make a deal from a position of strength by sending a very good defenseman in Sami Vatanen (an ANA fan favorite) to Jersey for #14. Thus far, it's worked out like a charm.
Henrique was immediately inserted into the lineup between Corey Perry and Rickard Rackell. The C-A-R line had instant chemistry. Perry has two goals and four points in the last three games. In the six guys prior to Henriques arrival, Perry had no goals and one assist. Corey is typically a streaky player, but when you consider each of his last two goals were delivered off the stick of Adam Henrique, you know there more to it than that.
Rico, himself, has five points in four games. He quickly ingratiated himself to the hometown fans with a couple of big goals in a 3-0 shutout victory against Ottawa. It was two points the Ducks had to have and Henrique was instrumental in delivering it. With increased ice time and increased on ice importance - Henrique will thrive.
Trust me when I tell you - he is going to be a huge piece of this team moving forward. He will help this team get back into the playoffs despite sitting on the outside looking in today.
The Brantford, Ontario boy plays in all situations and he's a smart hockey player. Even coach Carlyle said he's impressed with Henrique, calling him a "quick study." You cannot have enough smart hockey players on a team. Smart hockey is winning hockey.
Henrique is going to love playing in Anaheim and Anaheim is going to love him playing for them. New Jersey's loss is Anaheim's gain.
Who know's, maybe Henrique's next big playoff goal will be the one that sends Jonathan Quick and the L.A. Kings packing.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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