Vancouver Canucks in the Mix to Steal Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Center from the Florida Panthers
Photo credit: Fox News
A two-time Stanley Cup champion could be on the Vancouver Canucks’ radar as the club continues their search for a second line center ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Vancouver Canucks’ search for a second line center will likely drag on for the majority of the offseason and some believe it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if they begin the 2025-26 campaign with Elias Pettersson and Filip Chytil as their 1C & 2C, respectively.
Two-time Stanley Cup champion suggested as center option for Vancouver Canucks
During a recent edition of Sekeres and Price, NHL insider Jeff Marek revealed that one name to keep an eye on when it comes to the trade market is Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues.Leading up to July 1st, the opening of free agency, the Florida Panthers found a way to retain their big three pending UFAs – Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad, keeping their Stanley Cup-winning core intact for a number of years to come.As things stand today, the Florida Panthers are $3.725 million above the National Hockey League’s salary cap for the 2025-26 season, according to PuckPedia and before opening night, they’re going to have to move some money to become cap compliant.
One name that has been in the rumor mill for the majority of the month of July thus far is Evan Rodrigues, who has two years remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3 million US.
With the Vancouver Canucks still needing some help down the middle heading into the 2025-26 season, the two-time Stanley Cup champion could be a fit for Adam Foote’s group, but the Florida Panthers are still evaluating their options and trying to do whatever it takes to keep Rodrigues around.
“First of all, I love him. I love that player. I think a lot of people are singing from the same hymn book on that one. The thing about the Florida Panthers is, I think they’re trying to do whatever it takes and Evan Rodrigues is giving them as much time as they need to make that work. He wants to be there, they want him there, however Bill Zito can do this. I think they want to make Evan Rodrigues work there. So that’ll be a tough one.” Marek said.
During his two seasons with the Florida Panthers, Rodrigues has tallied 71 points (27 goals, 44 assists) in 162 games, while being a very reliable middle-six forward for Paul Maurice.
While the Florida Panthers are in a tough spot with their cap situation, it still won’t be cheap to pry Evan Rodrigues from them, but the Vancouver Canucks have some assets they could be willing to part with.
Perhaps a package of a mid-level prospect, like Matthew Perkins or Aidan Celebrini, and a third or fourth round draft pick could intrigue Panthers General Manager Bill Zito.
Previously on CanucksDaily
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Vancouver Canucks in the Mix to Steal Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Center from the Florida Panthers
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