Evan Rodrigues Bio
Evan Rodrigues is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 184 pounds, he shoots right and has built a reputation as a versatile two-way forward. After going undrafted, Rodrigues carved out a steady NHL career through development leagues and college hockey, eventually capturing back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025. Across his career, he has suited up for the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Colorado Avalanche.
Born and raised in Ontario, Rodrigues rose through junior and NCAA ranks before reaching the NHL in 2016. His journey from an undrafted prospect to a two-time Stanley Cup winner has made him a respected depth player capable of filling multiple forward positions.
Early Life and Background
Evan Rodrigues was born on July 28, 1993, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, to parents Christine and Norbert Rodrigues. His father, Norbert, is an immigrant from Portugal who moved to Canada as a teenager, and the family settled into life in the Greater Toronto Area. Rodrigues grew up in a hockey household, raised alongside two older brothers, and all three siblings played ice hockey throughout their childhood.
The Rodrigues household revolved around the sport, and the brothers spent countless hours on the ice together. That early, consistent exposure to hockey helped shape Rodrigues into a well-rounded skater and playmaker. While details of his formal high school education are limited, his path quickly turned toward competitive junior hockey.
Path to Professional Hockey
Rodrigues began his competitive path with the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Across two seasons with Georgetown, he tallied 105 points, including 41 goals and 64 assists, in 94 games and led the Raiders to the playoffs in both seasons. He was selected to represent Team Canada East and earned All-Star honors after registering seven points, fueling his profile as a rising prospect.
Rodrigues then attended Boston University, where he played four seasons from 2011 to 2015 with the Boston University Terriers men’s ice hockey team in Hockey East. A two-time Hockey East Second-Team All-Star, he produced 121 points, comprising 42 goals and 79 assists, in 146 career games for the Terriers. During his senior year, he finished second in the nation in scoring with 61 points, was named Hockey East Player of the Month in both January and April 2015, and trailed only future star Jack Eichel on his own team.
Evan Rodrigues Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
On April 22, 2015, Rodrigues agreed to a two-way, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. He spent most of his first professional season with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, where he continued to refine his game. He received his first NHL call-up and made his league debut on April 8, 2016, against an opponent that fall.
The following night, Rodrigues scored his first NHL goal and added his first NHL assist against the New York Islanders. On July 27, 2017, the Sabres re-signed him to a two-year contract worth $1.3 million, showing their confidence in his continued development.
Buffalo Sabres Breakthrough (2018–2020)
Rodrigues joined the Sabres on a full-time basis for the 2018–19 season. In 74 games, he recorded nine goals and 20 assists, establishing himself as a regular contributor at the NHL level. The Sabres rewarded his production by re-signing him to a one-year, $2 million contract extension on July 25, 2019.
The following 2019–20 season proved more challenging. Rodrigues struggled to match his previous offensive totals, posting just 5 goals and 9 points through 38 games. On February 24, 2020, the Sabres dealt him, along with Conor Sheary, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Dominik Kahun, ending his time in Buffalo.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2020–2022)
On August 25, 2020, Rodrigues was part of a multi-player trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, unable to agree on terms with Toronto and having not received a qualifying offer, he returned to Pittsburgh as a free agent on October 9, 2020, signing a one-year, $700,000 contract. He later re-signed with the Penguins on a one-year, $1 million deal.
One of the signature moments of his Penguins tenure came on January 2, 2022, when Rodrigues and linemate Bryan Rust each recorded a hat trick in the third period to lift Pittsburgh 8–5 over the San Jose Sharks. It was the first time since 2008 that two Penguins players had recorded hat tricks in the same game.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2022–2023)
On September 12, 2022, Rodrigues signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche. He joined a deep forward group in Denver and contributed as a versatile middle-six winger. Although the Avalanche did not repeat as champions, his lone season in Colorado was productive enough to attract significant interest on the open market.
Florida Panthers Era (2023–Present)
Following his season with the Avalanche, Rodrigues left as a free agent and signed a four-year, $12 million contract with the Florida Panthers on July 2, 2023. The move gave him a long-term home in South Florida and a chance to chase a championship.
In 2024, Rodrigues won his first Stanley Cup with the Panthers, cementing his place on a winning roster. He then helped Florida capture back-to-back championships in 2025, becoming a two-time Stanley Cup champion and validating his decision to sign with the Panthers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rodrigues is known for his two-way reliability, smooth skating, and ability to play both center and wing. He brings energy to the penalty kill, shows patience as a playmaker, and has developed a scoring touch around the net during his time in Florida.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights are his first NHL goal and assist in April 2016, the dual hat trick game with Bryan Rust in January 2022, and his back-to-back Stanley Cup victories with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.
Evan Rodrigues Career Wins
While Rodrigues is not primarily known as a goal scorer, his most important wins have come at the team level. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, having won the championship in both 2024 and 2025. These team trophies stand as the defining victories of his professional career.
Stanley Cup Highlights
Rodrigues lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time in 2024 as part of the Panthers’ championship run. He then helped Florida repeat as champions in 2025, joining a select group of undrafted players to win consecutive Cups with the same franchise.
Other Wins and Performances
Earlier in his career, Rodrigues helped lead the Georgetown Raiders to the OJHL playoffs in both of his seasons and was named to Team Canada East. At Boston University, he was a two-time Hockey East Second-Team All-Star and finished second nationally in scoring during his senior year.
Evan Rodrigues Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Evan Rodrigues was raised in a tight-knit Portuguese-Canadian household alongside his parents, Christine and Norbert, and two older brothers. All three brothers played ice hockey growing up, and that shared love of the game shaped his early development.
Personal Life
Rodrigues is married to his wife, Christina, and the couple has three children together. The family has settled into life alongside his hockey career, with Christina and their children often supporting him throughout his NHL journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season cemented Rodrigues as a key contributor for the Florida Panthers. As a steady two-way forward, he provided depth scoring, reliable defense, and energy on special teams throughout the campaign. His veteran presence helped the Panthers navigate a deep playoff push.
Rodrigues played a meaningful role in Florida’s second consecutive Stanley Cup run in 2025, appearing in playoff games and contributing in a bottom-six capacity. His ability to move between center and wing gave the Panthers tactical flexibility against varied opponents.
Entering the final stretch of his four-year contract, Rodrigues remains a trusted complementary piece in Florida’s locker room. With his championship pedigree and consistent work ethic, he is expected to remain part of the Panthers’ core as the franchise chases a third straight title.
