NHL News: Contrary to popular belief, Panthers are reportedly keeping key veteran alongside Brad Marchand and company

The Florida Panthers have been in the eye of the storm since hoisting their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Just when most would believe the pressure would ease and it was time to enjoy the NHL offseason, the Cats have stayed busy. After re-signing Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, it seemed the writing was on the wall for Evan Rodrigues to be dealt—but that might not be the case.

Winning comes at a price, and the Panthers have recently discovered just how hefty it can be. Regardless, there’s no bill the team isn’t willing to foot if it means hoisting back-to-back Stanley Cups. Therefore, Florida has decided to roll with its core until the wheels come off—and it might be a while before that happens. With all their stars inked to long-term deals, the Cats are in prime position to become a dynasty, a title once deemed extinct in today’s NHL salary cap era.

However, the financial restraints are breathing down Florida’s neck, pressuring GM Bill Zito and the front office to clear up cap space. On that note, Rodrigues was marked as the ideal cap casualty in Sunrise. There’s only one problem: the Panthers leave no man behind. Especially such a pivotal piece of their two-time Stanley Cup champion roster.

Not for sale

As reports now indicate, a trade involving E-Rod is not in Florida’s to-do list for the summer of 2025, and instead the organization will look elsewhere to fall back under cap obligations.

Evan Rodrigues #17 of the Florida Panthers is introduced prior to Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

“I think that a number of fans have wondered if Florida would have to trade someone like Rodrigues off their roster to make things work. I don’t believe that’s going to be happening,” insider Elliotte Friedman stated on the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast. “They consider him a very important player.”

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Five matchups to watch next season

Of course, in an 82-game NHL regular season, a case could be made that every game is critical. Still, there’s no such thing as a true must-win outing. However, as the Panthers head into the 2025–26 campaign, here’s a list of matchups fans are most eager to see

• Banner raising and season opener: vs the Chicago Blackhawks (October 7th)
• Brad Marchand’s return to TD Garden: at Boston Bruins (October 21st)
• Stanley Cup Final rematch: vs Edmonton Oilers (November 22nd)
• Winter Classic meets the Sunshine State: vs New York Rangers (January 2nd)
• Six-game road trip begins: at Toronto Maple Leafs (January 6th)