The Florida Panthers are set to keep forward Evan Rodrigues for the 2025-26 season, with NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reporting on his “32 Thoughts” podcast on August 6, 2025, that the team views the 32-year-old as a “really important player” despite their $3.725 million salary cap overage. Initial speculation, fueled by reports from NHL.com and The Leaf Report, had pegged Rodrigues as a likely trade candidate due to his $3 million cap hit and lack of trade protection. However, Friedman’s update emphasizes that general manager Bill Zito is prioritizing Rodrigues’ retention, likely leveraging Matthew Tkachuk’s potential long-term injured reserve (LTIR) placement to manage the cap.
Rodrigues has been a linchpin in Florida’s back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, contributing 27 goals and 71 points in 162 regular-season games since signing a four-year, $12 million contract in 2023. His playoff performance has been even more impactful, with nine goals and 30 points in 45 games, including three goals in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton. His versatility across the top and bottom lines, combined with a +22 rating and 98 playoff hits, has solidified his value, making him a key piece in Florida’s quest for a historic three-peat.
The decision to keep Rodrigues comes as Tkachuk’s recovery from a torn adductor muscle, potentially sidelining him until the Winter Olympics, provides temporary cap relief via his $9.5 million LTIR placement. This allows Zito to avoid trading Rodrigues or other assets like Eetu Luostarinen, despite earlier interest from teams such as Toronto, Chicago, and Minnesota. However, Tkachuk’s eventual return will force Zito to address the cap again, possibly requiring a trade if Rodrigues or others underperform early in the season. For now, Rodrigues remains a cornerstone, with his playoff pedigree and two-way play critical to Florida’s lineup.
As the Panthers prepare for their October 7, 2025, opener against Boston, Rodrigues’ retention signals their commitment to maintaining the core that has reached three straight Stanley Cup Finals. While cap constraints linger, Zito’s ability to re-sign Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand—thanks to Ekblad’s hometown discount—has kept the championship roster largely intact. Rodrigues, who briefly feared being traded to Boston in a prank during last season’s Marchand deal, is now poised to anchor the middle-six, ensuring Florida’s depth remains a strength as they chase another title.[](https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2025/08/panthers-not-expected-to-trade-evan-rodrigues.html)[](https://athlonsports.com/nhl/florida-panthers/florida-panthers-not-likely-to-trade-evan-rodrigues-report)[](https://www.nhltraderumors.me/2025/08/nhl-trade-rumors-insider-drops.html)
