Canadiens Linked to Panthers Center to Fix Depth as Florida May Be Forced to Trade Him Over Cap Issu

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L. Honein
July 24, 2025  (9:01)

Jun 9, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (17) celebrates with goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) after the third period in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have had a strong offseason so far, especially following the acquisitions of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc. However, one major issue remains unresolved-and we’re clearly talking about the center position.After all, with the return of Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, and the financial complications these signings bring, it’s obvious that someone has to be the odd man out.

And according to most experts, it’s Rodrigues who’s likely to go.

“The quickest way to resolve their surplus would be to trade Evan Rodrigues, who carries a $3 million cap hit for the next two seasons.

But he’s a well-liked player in the locker room and a productive second- or third-line forward, coming off a 15-goal season.

He also recorded 15 points in 21 playoff games last spring.”

– Sportsnet

“Rodrigues certainly is a trade candidate seeing that his contract has a reported $3 million AAV. There’s ZERO DOUBT here that teams already have, currently are, or soon will be inquiring about his availability. He’s a valuable, versatile, veteran player the Panthers do not take for granted. Unfortunately, losing him might be the price Florida has to pay (for re-signing all those top vets).”

In short, while all signs were already pointing to a Rodrigues trade, now there’s a new development!

Serious trade negotiations are currently underway involving forward Evan Rodrigues

And for obvious reasons-since Rodrigues can play center-the Montreal Canadiens are immediately being mentioned by Sportsnet as a potential trade partner for the Panthers in this case.

This will be something to watch closely over the next few hours.

Rodrigues, 31 years old, is a speedy forward standing 5’11” and weighing 182 pounds.

He indeed recorded 15 points in 21 games during the 2025 NHL Playoffs and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.

Previously on HabsFanatics

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Canadiens Linked to Panthers Center to Fix Depth as Florida May Be Forced to Trade Him Over Cap Issues

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