Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique will not be suiting up for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, head coach Kris Knoblauch said on Thursday.
The bench boss told reporters that the Oilers would dress the same lineup as Game 7 of the second-round series against the Vancouver Canucks.
On Wednesday, Knoblauch said that Henrique would return in the conference final after missing most of Round 2 with an ankle injury, but didn’t specify when.
“We believe he’s really close and we’re expecting him early in the series, whether that’s Game 1, 2 or 3, but we’ll definitely be seeing him at some point,” Knoblauch said.
Henrique, 34, had one goal and one assist in six games with both points coming in Game 1 of the first round against the Los Angeles Kings.
“It was good to get out there and practise with the guys,” Henrique said after practicing with the team on Wednesday. “It’s painful watching, so we’re all on the same page as far as where we’re at and how we’re going about things and just take it a day at a time.”
The Oilers acquired Henrique from the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline in a deal that also involved the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Henrique had nine points (six goals and three assists) in 22 games during the regular season after arriving in Edmonton.
“It’ll be a nice addition when he is ready,” Knoblauch said. “Unfortunately for us, he hasn’t played for a while, but when we do have him in the lineup, he’ll definitely give us a little push.”
Watch Game 1 of the Western Conference Final at 8:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. MT live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.