4 Teams Linked To Trade With Panthers For Rodrigues

The Florida Panthers managed to bring back all of their big free agents this offseason, but that will likely mean they have to shed a little bit of cap before the season starts. The only logical player to move that has a high enough cap hit to make a difference is Evan Rodrigues.

He has been a good complementary piece in the top-9 for the last two seasons and has stepped up his game in the playoffs, making an impact on the scoresheet especially. The 31-year-old is also a solid two-way player. He has a cap hit of $3 million AAV and two years left under contract. There are more than a handful of teams that could use a player like him, but David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has linked the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Minnesota Wild.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks aren't ready to compete yet, especially not with how quiet their offseason has been. They have a solid mix of veterans and youth, but it's leaning more towards veterans at forward. I wouldn't say that Rodrigues is going to make some huge difference and help get Chicago into the playoffs in the next two seasons, but he would take up a roster spot from someone like Landon Slaggert, Colton Dach, Lukas Reichel, Ryan Greene, or Aidan Thompson.

Detroit Red Wings

Steve Yzerman has to do something for the Detroit Red Wings. There have been too many "attempts" this offseason and nothing big to speak of. Rodrigues wouldn't be big, but he would be something that helps a team on the cusp maybe take that step into playoffs. His offensive and defensive contributions would be better than whoever he replaces in the lineup.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs have a need for another top-9 forward and a spot on their roster so they can push Ryan Reaves down to the AHL. Whether max Domi remains a trade candidate or Calle Jarnkrok is dealt or bumped to the fourth line, Rodrigues would fit in nicely on any of the top three lines in Toronto to provide scoring and more help on the other side of the puck as well. The Maple Leafs have the cap space to take on his entire contract as well.

Minnesota Wild

The Wild still have room to add more firepower to their lineup, especially now that their window is seemingly open. Vladimir Tarasenko and Nico Sturm were the only two additions to the team this offseason, and that isn't good enough for the cap space that was available and the opportunity they have. Rodrigues would really add to that forward unit that is lacking a little, whether it be to be able to step up if there are injuries, or to add 15 goals and 35 points in the top-9 somewhere. Minnesota needs to compete with the top teams in their division and it'll be tough without a better lineup.