The Edmonton Oilers have suffered a significant blow to their lineup with veteran centre Adam Henrique sidelined due to a major injury.
Injury Timeline and Official Announcement
The Oilers organization confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that Adam Henrique has been placed on injured reserve. The team's announcement indicated the forward's recovery timeline will extend through the upcoming Olympic hiatus. Henrique is not expected to return to game action until after the Olympic break concludes on February 24, 2026.
This development removes a key piece from the Oilers' forward depth for a substantial portion of the regular season schedule. The specific nature of Henrique's injury was not disclosed in the initial team release.
Impact on Oilers' Lineup
Losing a player of Henrique's calibre presents an immediate challenge for the Oilers' coaching staff. As a seasoned centre, he provides valuable two-way play, faceoff proficiency, and scoring depth. His absence will force adjustments to line combinations and could increase the workload for other key forwards.
The timing is particularly crucial as teams jockey for playoff positioning in the weeks leading up to the league's pause for the Winter Olympics. The Oilers will need to find a way to maintain their competitive edge without his services for over a month of game time.
Looking Ahead to the Olympic Break
The Olympic break is scheduled from February 6 to February 24, 2026, providing a natural pause in the NHL calendar. Henrique's projected return shortly after this period suggests a recovery window of approximately seven weeks from the time of the announcement.
This injury news follows a recent game where Henrique was seen in action against the Buffalo Sabres in November 2025. The team and its fans will now await further updates on his rehabilitation progress as the estimated return date approaches.
