Avalanche should explore this unexpected reunion

The Colorado Avalanche are among the contenders looking to add at the deadline but without paying an arm and a leg. That situation means finding value where others might miss. 

That’s why the Avs should explore a reunion with a former forward, but it’s not the one most talked about. While former Colorado star Ryan O’Reilly has been in chatter linked to the Avalanche, the former Av we’re talking about is Evan Rodrigues.

Rodrigues is currently in the third year of a four-year deal with the Florida Panthers. The Cats signed Rodrigues after the 32-year-old spent one season in Colorado. The Avalanche signed Rodrigues to a one-year, $2 million deal. He would go on to produce 16 goals and 39 points in 69 games during the 2022-23 season. 

The Avs passed on re-signing Rodrigues, leaving him to move on. But now, the two-time Stanley Cup champion could be a decent depth fit. Amid the barrage of injuries suffered by the Panthers, Rodrigues is the team’s top-line center. And he’s also a prime trade candidate considering the Cats are about eight points out of a playoff spot.

By bringing back Rodrigues and his modest $3 million cap hit, the Avalanche could fill that 3C hole. Alternatively, he could also slide to the wing, depending on injuries, needs, and matchups.

Rodrigues could be highly useful for Avalanche

In Florida, Rodrigues became a Swiss Army knife for Paul Maurice. The veteran forward has killed penalties, seen power play time, and drawn tough defensive matchups 5-on-5. He’s also scored. He’s chipped in back-to-back 30-plus point seasons. Moreover, he’s on pace for another 30-plus point season.

That said, Rodrigues could be a solid third-line center with, say, Ross Colton and Victor Olofsson on the wings. That’s assuming that Colton isn’t part of the package heading the other way.

Additionally, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Rodrigues plug up a spot on wing with Brock Nelson and one of Valeri Nichushkin or Gabriel Landeskog. Since Rodrigues can play either wing spot, there’s plenty of flexibility there.

Lastly, the return for Rodrigues shouldn’t be astronomical. He’s likely a cap casualty as the Panthers will have to re-sign Sergei Bobrovsky next season. Florida will also explore other options to boost depth. So, Rodrigues shouldn’t cost more than a couple of mid-round picks or a combination of picks and a prospect.

Unless the Avalanche were willing to part with someone like Ross Colton in a 1-for-1 swap, the Avalanche would do well to add Rodrigues at the expense of someone like Logan O’Connor. Yes, O’Connor is hurt at the moment. But since the Panthers aren’t competing this season, they can afford to wait.