1
The Florida Panthers, fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, are not expected to trade veteran forward Evan Rodrigues despite earlier speculation driven by their $3.725 million salary cap overage, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on his “32 Thoughts” podcast on August 3, 2025. Rodrigues, a key middle-six forward with a $3 million cap hit, had been considered a prime trade candidate to address the Panthers’ financial constraints. However, Friedman’s latest report shuts down those rumors, citing Rodrigues’ importance to the team and the likelihood of managing the cap through other means, particularly with Matthew Tkachuk’s potential placement on long-term injured reserve (LTIR).[](https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/florida_panthers_not_likely_to_trade_evan_rodrigues_report/s1_17615_42547504)
Rodrigues, 32, has been a vital part of Florida’s championship runs, contributing 15 points in 21 playoff games in 2025, including three goals in the Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton. His versatility across the lineup, with 27 goals and 71 points in 162 regular-season games since signing a four-year, $12 million contract in 2023, makes him a valuable asset. Despite earlier reports from NHL.com’s Dan Rosen and The Leaf Report’s James Mirtle suggesting Rodrigues as the “most logical” trade candidate due to his lack of trade protection, Friedman emphasized the Panthers’ desire to keep him, bolstered by Tkachuk’s $9.5 million cap hit potentially coming off the books temporarily due to a torn adductor muscle.[](https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nhl/panthers-evan-rodrigues-trade-salary-cap-space/)[](https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2025/07/04/nhl-rumours-florida-panthers-have-problem-and-a-trade-would-fit-it/)
The Panthers’ cap situation remains precarious after re-signing core players like Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, pushing their payroll to $26.35 million for key contracts alone. While teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Edmonton Oilers had inquired about Rodrigues, per The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the LTIR option for Tkachuk—who may miss time until the Winter Olympics—provides breathing room. This strategy allows General Manager Bill Zito to retain Rodrigues, whose +22 rating and 98 playoff hits over two seasons underscore his two-way value, without immediate roster upheaval.[](https://ontapsportsnet.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks-eyeing-evan-rodrigues-in-possible-trade-nhl-rumors)[](https://www.nhltraderumors.me/2025/08/nhl-trade-rumors-insider-drops.html)
However, the solution is temporary, as Tkachuk’s return will force Zito to address the cap again, potentially revisiting trade options like Rodrigues or Eetu Luostarinen, who also carries a $3 million cap hit. For now, Rodrigues remains a Panther, with his playoff pedigree and flexibility making him a cornerstone of Florida’s three-peat aspirations. As the team prepares for their October 7, 2025, opener against Boston, fans can expect Rodrigues in the lineup, ready to contribute to another championship chase while Zito navigates the cap puzzle.[](https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/panthers_not_expected_to_trade_evan_rodrigues/s1_14825_42546473)
