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3 reasons why Adam Henrique makes a lot of sense for the NY Rangers at the trade deadline

Adam Henrique likely won’t spend the remainder of the 2023-24 season with the Ducks, and it would be smart for the New York Rangers to make a move.

By Todd Matthews

Jan 23, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique (14) shoots the puck
Jan 23, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique (14) shoots the puck / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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New York has the assets to acquire Henrique

At this point, the Rangers would have salary cap issues if they tried trading a first-round pick for Henrique, and only a first-rounder. Now, this probably wouldn’t occur in real life, as the Ducks would ideally look for more assets than just a first-round pick, and contending teams would be happy to give up more compensation for the highly-coveted center. 

But in simplest terms, the Rangers could realistically move a first plus a high-potential developmental piece like Kaapo Kakko, and that would put them under the cap. Again, this trade would likely involve someone like Kakko, plus at least one prospect, and a first-rounder to bring Henrique to New York, but it would be worth it.

New York is an elite hockey team with the assets to trade for a potential impact player like Adam Henrique. Not only do they have the assets, we already made it clear that they need a player like this to make it a more surefire deal that they will reach the next level in their quest for a Stanley Cup. 

This isn’t to say acquiring Henrique would guarantee that the Rangers would cruise through the playoffs and win it all. But adding him would dramatically increase their chances to end their 30-year drought in 2024. 

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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference as of February 12th)