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NHL Rumors: Florida Panthers Trading Evan Rodrigues Now Nearly Guaranteed?
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- NHL Rumors: Florida Panthers Trading Evan Rodrigues Now Nearly Guaranteed?
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Evan Rodrigues spent the first eight years of his NHL career searching for a championship and finally found success in the Sunshine State. In 2024 and 2025, Rodrigues helped lead the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles by providing stellar playoff performances.
However, the 31-year-old center is now at risk of being dealt as Florida tries to navigate its cap situation. The Panthers re-signed Sam Bennett , Brad Marchand , and Aaron Ekblad before free agency. Leaving them $3,725,000 above the limit. With a $3,000,000 cap hit, Rodrigues has been the biggest player linked to a potential trade from the Panthers.
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According to Jeff Marek on Sekeres and Price , Rodrigues wants to stay in Florida, and the feeling is mutual. The Panthers want to keep him on the roster despite the salary cap issues. The problem is making the situation work, as Florida must be cap-compliant by the start of the 2025-'26 NHL season.
Evan Rodrigues' days in Florida are numbered
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Rodrigues would help bridge the gap if he were traded, but it wouldn't be enough money going out. The Panthers could place an injured player, such as Matthew Tkachuk , on the Long-Term Injury Reserve list, but it would be delaying the inevitable.
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Unless Florida decides to move one of Tkachuck, Bennett, Marchand, Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov , Sam Reinhardt, or Carter Verhaeghe , there is no space for Rodrigues on the roster. None of those are likely to happen anytime soon, so it's easy to connect the dots on what is coming next.
The Long-Term Injury Reserve list could be used to protect Rodrigues' spot in Florida, but it's not a long-term solution. The 31-year-old center seems likely to be traded, but it might not be something that occurs until the season.
Related: Coast Guard Delivers Epic View of Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup Festivities
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