Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a replacement for Mitch Marner, the star right wing who will continue his career with the Vegas Golden Knights. Among the options, the name of Evan Rodrigues from the Florida Panthers has come up as a potential new linemate for Auston Matthews in the 2025–26 NHL season.
Matthews wouldn’t mind regaining the scoring punch he had with his former teammate Marner. With much of the offensive responsibility falling on his shoulders, the Maple Leafs remain open to pursuing a trade to strengthen their forward group with hopes of making a deep playoff run next season.
Rodrigues has made it clear that he’s comfortable with the Panthers and doesn’t want to be traded, something that was evident months ago when he reportedly feared a move to the Boston Bruins. In the meantime, Toronto may be willing to part with a player to offer a fair deal.
Who could the Maple Leafs offer in exchange for Rodrigues?
NHL insider Jim Parsons of The Hockey Writers reported that one proposed deal would send Panthers wing Rodrigues to Toronto in exchange for newly signed winger Nick Robertson, who recently reached an agreement with the Canadian franchise and avoided arbitration.
Robertson was part of a tense contract negotiation with Toronto, which ultimately signed him to a one-year, $1.825 million deal. However, there could be bigger plans in store for the young forward. A sign-and-trade scenario is quickly becoming a more serious possibility.
Will Robertson be traded?
The Maple Leafs aren’t in a rush to move Robertson in the middle of the offseason, but general manager Brad Treliving could soon take action and explore a potential deal involving the 23-year-old winger.