The Florida Panthers signed UFA forward Evan Rodrigues to a new contract today. This contract, worth a total of $12 million, carries him through the 2026-27 season. That equates to an annual cap hit of $3 million.
Evan Rodrigues Signs New Contract via Free Agency
In one season with the Colorado Avalanche, Rodrigues posted 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists). That stands as the best point-per-game rate of his entire career, as he did it in just 69 games. He added five points (one goal, four assists) in their seven-game first-round playoff series as well. Across his eight-year career thus far, Rodrigues logged 385 games played. In those contests, he scored 69 goals and 99 assists for 168 total points.
Rodrigues played NCAA hockey with Boston University but went undrafted before the Buffalo Sabres signed him to his first professional contract. Between Buffalo and Colorado, Rodrigues spent three seasons under contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In his final season with Pittsburgh, Rodrigues established career highs in all scoring categories, attracting the Avs’ attention for his one-year deal covering last year.
What this Means for the Future
Rodrigues’ new contract should surprise no one, as the forward demonstrated plenty of ability to date. Replicating his success in Pittsburgh in another city helped his career narrative, and at 29 years old, he has tons of upside. That said, both the Pens and Avs boast some of the best offensive players in the world. Rodrigues undoubtedly benefitted from ice time alongside players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen, among others.
Whether he could do the same in an environment without a bonafide superstar remains to be seen. One thing is for sure though; surrounded by the right players, his skill shines bright. He brings tons of finesse, speed, and ability, but struggles to pave out a path without support on his line. That said, he slots very comfortably into a second or third-line role, with the ability to succeed when floated onto the top line so long as his linemates are elite.
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
