3 recently traded forwards the NY Islanders must target in NHL free agency

Adam Henrique, C/Edmonton Oilers

You may cringe at Adam Henrique’s most recent AAV, but given his current age, you shouldn’t worry too much about it. Henrique won’t, or shouldn’t, see an AAV of $5.825 million in his next contract, and it should instead be something in the neighborhood of $3 to $3.5 million, which even a team like the Islanders can easily afford. 

Henrique put up 24 goals and 51 points in his age-33 season, and what’s amazing is the fact the bulk of his production came with the Anaheim Ducks. No, he didn’t enjoy the same output in Edmonton, but with so many big-time players and scorers, there was no way the veteran center would have enjoyed the same success, at least from a points-production standpoint. 

However, he played a physical game, and that should be enticing to a team like the Isles; they love to hit, and that alone would make Henrique fit right into their system. The only difference is that he’s a much more capable scorer, and it’s something we saw the Isles need more of in 2024-25. 

When the sense of urgency arises, so does Henrique’s game, and he’s also been one of the hardest-hitting forwards in the postseason. As of May 29th, Henrique had only seen time in seven playoff games, but he snagged three points and two goals and landed 25 body checks. 

If signed at a reduced rate, Henrique wouldn’t completely turn around the Islanders scoring, but his presence would at least improve the unit. Right now, simple improvement is all Lou Lamoriello must focus on, but if he wanted someone with higher scoring potential, the next name on the list would be a major upgrade.