After a disappointing end to the 2024-25 NHL season, the Colorado Avalanche are determined to add new weapons to support Nathan MacKinnon and the rest of the team. So when reports emerged suggesting a key Florida Panthers‘ teammate of Brad Marchand could be on the move, the Avs should be quick to perk up and pay close attention.
The Avalanche‘s elimination against the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs was a brutal blow to MacKinnon and Colorado’s spirits after the return of Gabriel Landeskog. The past NHL season was far from a dream year for the Avs. After trading Mikko Rantanen away, it was the franchise’s former star who knocked them out of the postseason with a hat trick in a Game 7.
Colorado extended Brock Nelson’s contract, signing the former Islanders’ veteran to a three-year deal. Yet, that move was only the beginning of a busy offseason in the Mile High city. Now, with one of Marchand‘s teammates reportedly on the move, it didn’t take long for the Avalanche’s name to enter the conversation.
According to reports, the Panthers could part ways with Evan Rodrigues in order to clear salary cap space for Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad’s extensions in Florida. The widespread buzz generated by it has put the Avalanche on the spotlight.
Evan Rodrigues #17 and Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers celebrate after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
Perfect sense
“The Avs should try to pry Rodrigues out of Florida to fill in as a depth forward. The now 31-year-old has chemistry with the core, has versatility to play on any line, and can provide an added veteran presence for a team itching to make another Stanley Cup run.“
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“The Avs have a mostly complete forward group already, but the third line could use some help,” Aarif Deen of Col Hockey Now stated. “The biggest hurdle for the Avs would be clearing space for him.“
Return to Denver?
Rodrigues could be gearing up for a return to Colorado, where he played during the 2022-23 NHL season. The undrafted winger had signed a one-year deal, $2M with the Avalanche, before signing as an UFA with the Panthers in 2023. Florida signed him to a four-year, $12M contract as a free agent, but now, the story might come full circle.
