Head Coach Kris Knoblauch reinforced Henrique’s hopes exactly by saying he’s been instrumental in guiding the team’s younger players after he was between two NHL newcomers in Isaac Howard and Matt Savoie on a line just a few games ago, while being a versatile player for the Oilers since arriving from the Anaheim Ducks before the Trade Deadline in March 2024.
“A lot of guys have a lot of respect for him just with everything he’s gone through with his experience with Anaheim, New Jersey, and now Edmonton playing a different and significant role with our team,” Knoblauch said. “He’s been on the power play, penalty kill, and a key face-off guy, so a lot of respect for him. He’s a good hockey player, and right now, he’s spending a lot of time with our young players helping them take the next step into their NHL career.”
Henrique is a multi-50-point scorer in the NHL and has always tried to fill in the gaps around his teammates to be a complementary player, and that’s helped him reach the century milestone for games that he didn’t always think was possible.
“Early on, you just kind of want to get established, right? You want to become an everyday guy, and I’ve never been ‘the guy’,” he said. “I feel that I’ve always tried to make sure I’m doing everything the right way, leading by example and doing what I have to do to contribute and be a difference maker every single night.
“Not for a long time really did it seem like it was coming, and then, when it’s getting closer and closer, it’s a special thing. I’ve been a part of the ceremonies before for guys who’ve been there, it means a lot to players to get to a thousand games. I played with a lot of guys who have been close, and for whatever reason, you don’t get there. Guys have had great careers and played less than a thousand games, and guys that have played 1,400 to 1500 games. So it’s one of those special milestones that means a lot at the end of your career.”
