Injury keeps Adam Henrique out until Olympic break (Image via: Getty Images) Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique is facing an extended absence after the team confirmed Wednesday that the veteran center will be sidelined until after the Olympic break due to an undisclosed injury. The update adds another layer of uncertainty for an Oilers roster navigating a demanding stretch of the NHL schedule.Henrique’s injury surfaced Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators, when he exited in the opening period and did not return. Edmonton still cruised to a 6-2 win, but the loss of a dependable two-way forward was evident. Head coach Kris Knoblauch described the situation postgame as “a little while,” a timeline that is now clearer but no less concerning.
Edmonton Oilers place Adam Henrique on injured reserve, return unlikely before Feb. 25
The Oilers have officially moved Henrique to injured reserve, confirming he will miss games through the Olympic break. The earliest possible return date is Feb. 25, when Edmonton resumes its season against the Anaheim Ducks. For a team pushing for consistency in the Western Conference standings, the timing is far from ideal.The veteran center logged just 2:26 of ice time before leaving the game against Nashville, taking two shifts and blocking one shot. While his stat line from that night was minimal, Henrique’s broader role extends beyond numbers. He has been a steady presence down the middle, offering defensive reliability, faceoff support, and secondary scoring when needed.Through 43 games this season, Henrique has two goals and eight assists while playing just under 14 minutes a night. He has been trusted in tough matchups, used regularly on the penalty kill, and gives the Oilers flexibility throughout the lineup when adjustments are needed. Losing that element forces the Oilers to reshuffle their bottom-six forward group, particularly during a stretch where depth often determines outcomes.Edmonton’s coaching staff will now have to adjust without Henrique in the lineup. His minutes are likely to be spread around, with a mix of internal options stepping into larger roles. The Oilers have relied on their core players for much of the season, but stretches like this often reveal how well the rest of the roster can respond when called upon.As the NHL season pauses for the Olympic break, the focus will shift to Henrique’s recovery and whether he can return at full strength. Until then, Edmonton must manage without a veteran who quietly stabilized key parts of its forward rotation, a challenge that could shape the weeks ahead.