The Florida Panthers’ most significant signing during the 2024 free agency period didn’t actually occur on July 1. While the Panthers made several notable signings that day—like Dmitry Kulikov, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Niko Mikkola—they didn’t have the cap space until they traded Anthony Duclair to San Jose later that afternoon.
The next day, Florida secured Evan Rodrigues with a four-year deal, matching Duclair’s $3 million cap hit.
Rodrigues might have been their most impactful acquisition. Although one could argue that Ekman-Larsson, Mikkola, and Kulikov played crucial roles in bolstering Florida’s defense, Rodrigues made a memorable postseason impact, particularly when it mattered most.
Rodrigues assisted on Carter Verhaeghe’s goal, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final—his seventh point of the series. He concluded the playoffs with seven goals and 15 points across 24 games, scoring four goals in the Final, including three in the first two games.
From the outset, Panthers coach Paul Maurice utilized Rodrigues in various roles. Moving between teams is nothing new for Rodrigues—Florida is his fourth team—so he’s used to adapting quickly.
“I try to adjust my game a bit, giving my linemates the freedom to play theirs,” Rodrigues said during the Final. “Sometimes, it’s not just me; a line switch can spark everyone. It seems to be clicking right now.”
Indeed, it was. Maurice’s decision to place Rodrigues on the second line with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk allowed Sasha Barkov to pair with Sam Reinhart and Verhaeghe, moving Vladimir Tarasenko down to Rodrigues’ previous third-line spot.
With Tarasenko now in Detroit after signing a two-year deal with the Red Wings, Florida might keep that top-six lineup intact, possibly promoting rookie Mackie Samoskevich to the third line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. However, it’s too early to say for sure.
Regardless, Rodrigues will find his place. “Six or seven weeks into the regular season, maybe even longer, his game kept becoming more impactful,” Maurice said. “We’ve moved him around, and wherever he plays, he seems to energize those around him. He’s become that kind of player for us. A little switch here or there, but he’s made a big difference.”
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