The Florida Panthers are facing the NHL’s most enviable problem: the salary cap crunch that comes after a championship run. But with every new contract and returning star, a difficult decision looms, and it appears a key piece of their successful puzzle could be the casualty. The latest Evan Rodrigues rumors suggest that despite his value, he is the most likely forward to be put on the trade block to make the math work for General Manager Bill Zito.
According to a report from Dan Rosen at NHL.com, the Panthers will likely start the season by placing superstar Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) as he recovers from offseason surgery. This provides temporary cap relief, but it’s a band-aid, not a solution. The moment Tkachuk is activated, the Panthers must be cap compliant. This is where the clock starts ticking on Rodrigues’s time in Sunrise.
Why Evan Rodrigues is the Logical, Yet Painful, Choice
From a pure asset management perspective, trading Rodrigues makes a painful amount of sense. He carries an extremely team-friendly $3 million AAV, a bargain for a versatile forward who can slot anywhere in the top nine and contribute on special teams. It’s this exact versatility and affordable contract that not only makes him a valuable piece for Florida but also an incredibly attractive target for other teams across the league. Sources confirm that teams have already begun to inquire about his availability, knowing the Panthers’ predicament.
The Tkachuk Factor: A Ticking Clock on the Panthers’ Cap
Don’t expect Rodrigues to be moved tomorrow. He’ll almost certainly be in the opening night lineup. However, the rumors will grow louder as Tkachuk progresses in his recovery. The key factor here is that Rodrigues does not have a no-trade clause, giving Zito maximum flexibility to find the best possible return.
While the Panthers’ front office values Rodrigues immensely, they may have no choice but to leverage that value to solve their cap headache. The market for a player like him will be robust, and as Tkachuk’s return nears, the Evan Rodrigues rumors will transition from speculation to an imminent reality.
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The post Evan Rodrigues Rumors: Is a Trade Brewing for the Panthers Forward? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
