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Henrique dishes on AHL return, Parise’s departure

Washington Capitals v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Adam Henrique #14 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates scoring a goal in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals at Prudential Center on December 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

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Adam Henrique’s rookie season was a surprising success, yet he finds himself back in the AHL because of the lockout.

The speedy forward decided to focus on positives in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

“I get to play. I get to work on my game. I can get a head start for when we do get back,” Henrique said. " ... Every team is going to have guys from the NHL working on their games, trying to earn their spots again. It’s the best hockey to watch right now.”

The KHL’s star-packed roster could provide an interesting counterpoint, but Henrique is justified in expecting heightened competition in the locked-out version of the AHL.

He’ll get a chance to work on his game without the pressuring of attempting an encore performance. Henrique reflected on Zach Parise’s absence as the departed star inspires his offseason focus on puck control.

“I really learned from Zach that you have to be strong on the puck,” Henrique says. “If he lost it, he’d go back and get it. He pursued every puck, never gave up on a play.”

The Devils brass would likely be delighted to see an even-better Henrique whenever NHL games start up again.