3 reasons why the Islanders must make a strong play for Adam Henrique

While the New York Islanders haven’t enjoyed an ideal season to date, they are still only three points out of a wild card spot as of February 13th, so they are still legitimate playoff contenders. Therefore, they will at least explore buying options at the trade deadline, even if they would have to make a lot of moves just to have some space to make trades. 

Even if it would be a major challenge to bring in a player like Adam Henrique, it’s not necessarily impossible, and it would even dramatically help New York’s cause in returning to the playoffs. But if the Isles want to get back there, they need someone who can both score and play sound defense, and luckily, Adam Henrique is that player. 

The Islanders could use another depth scorer at forward

While the sheer cost of adding Henrique to the lineup factors in as a major obstacle for the islanders, if they can swing it, they will have a sound depth scorer among their forwards. Bo Horvat and Brock Nelson have 21 and 22 goals, respectively, but no one else on the Islanders has any more than 15, and this is where Henrique will help them with depth scoring. 

Should the Isles find a way to bring in a talent like Henrique, he would immediately upgrade the middle-six, perhaps on the third line. Henrique also has just 15 goals so far this season, but playing for a better team like the Islanders would naturally give him more chances to find the net. 

There is also a chance a talent like Henrique factors into the top-six, where he could further maximize his opportunities to score. Regardless of where they would put him, Henrique’s presence would make New York a better team with the puck overall, and that will translate into a few more crucial wins.