Evan Rodrigues

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Rodrigues began his path in the OJHL with the Georgetown Raiders, scoring 105 points in 94 games and leading the team to the 2010–2011 semifinals. At Boston University, he flourished as a Terrier from 2011 to 2015, tallying 121 points in 146 contests. His senior year was particularly notable, finishing second nationally with 61 points while earning Hockey East Player of the Month honors in both January and April 2015, trailing only teammate Jack Eichel. Turning pro in 2015, he signed a two-way deal with the Buffalo Sabres. After starting in the AHL, he made his NHL debut on April 8, 2016, scoring his first goal and assist against the New York Islanders the following night.

In Their Own Story

Rodrigues's career took a dramatic turn during the 2019–20 season. Struggling with just 5 goals in 38 games for Buffalo, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 24, 2020, alongside Conor Sheary for Dominik Kahun. A subsequent trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs fell through on October 9, 2020, as he could not agree on terms without a qualifying offer, leading him to re-sign with Pittsburgh. His time there produced a historic highlight: on January 2, 2022, Rodrigues and Bryan Rust each recorded hat-tricks in the third period during an 8–5 victory over the San Jose Sharks, marking the first time since 2008 two Penguins scored three goals in one game. Following this, he joined the Colorado Avalanche as a free agent on September 12, 2022, signing a one-year deal. After a successful lone season there, he moved to the Florida Panthers on July 2, 2023, where he captured back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025 before his trade to New Jersey.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Rodrigues's trajectory, his ability to rebound from challenges stands out. After a quiet start with Buffalo in 2019–20, he revitalized his game in Pittsburgh, culminating in the dual hat-trick performance against San Jose. His move to Colorado in September 2022 marked another fresh chapter, leading directly to consecutive championships with Florida. His contract history reflects his value: a one-year, $2 million deal with Buffalo (2019), a return to Pittsburgh on a $700,000 contract before upgrading to $1 million, and a four-year, $12 million extension with Florida in 2023. On June 30, 2026, he completed his latest transition, joining the New Jersey Devils alongside Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves in exchange for Angus Crookshank and Jacob Markström.

Did You Know?

• Rodrigues finished second in the nation in scoring during his senior year at Boston University with 61 points.
• On January 2, 2022, Rodrigues became one of only two players to score a hat-trick in a single game for the Penguins since 2008.
• He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.
• His father is an immigrant from Portugal who moved to Canada as a teenager.