The NHL offseason is always a whirlwind of rumors, speculation, and game-changing moves, but this summer, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at the center of one of the most intriguing storylines yet.

After making waves with high-profile acquisitions like Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc, the Canadiens have signaled that they’re serious about accelerating their rebuild and contending sooner rather than later.

Yet, despite these impressive additions, one crucial piece of the puzzle remains missing—a proven, versatile center who can solidify the team’s forward depth and provide much-needed stability down the middle.

Enter Evan Rodrigues, a name that has quickly risen to the top of trade chatter across the league. With the Florida Panthers facing a cap crunch after a flurry of roster moves, and serious trade talks reportedly underway, Rodrigues has become the focal point of attention for teams looking to capitalize on the Panthers’ financial squeeze.

As speculation intensifies and the clock ticks down, all eyes are now on Montreal—will Kent Hughes seize this opportunity to address the Canadiens’ lingering need, or will another team swoop in and change the landscape of the NHL once again?

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have had a strong offseason so far, especially following the acquisitions of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc. However, one major issue remains unresolved-and we’re clearly talking about the center position.

For the past few weeks, the name of forward Evan Rodrigues has frequently come up in trade rumors.

After all, with the return of Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, and the financial complications these signings bring, it’s obvious that someone has to be the odd man out.

And according to most experts, it’s Rodrigues who’s likely to go.

“The quickest way to resolve their surplus would be to trade Evan Rodrigues, who carries a $3 million cap hit for the next two seasons.

But he’s a well-liked player in the locker room and a productive second- or third-line forward, coming off a 15-goal season.

He also recorded 15 points in 21 playoff games last spring.”

– Sportsnet

Dan Rosen of nhl.com also confirmed that multiple conversations have happened.

“Rodrigues certainly is a trade candidate seeing that his contract has a reported $3 million AAV. There’s ZERO DOUBT here that teams already have, currently are, or soon will be inquiring about his availability. He’s a valuable, versatile, veteran player the Panthers do not take for granted. Unfortunately, losing him might be the price Florida has to pay (for re-signing all those top vets).”

In short, while all signs were already pointing to a Rodrigues trade, now there’s a new development!

Serious trade negotiations are currently underway involving forward Evan Rodrigues

Well, well!

And for obvious reasons-since Rodrigues can play center-the Montreal Canadiens are immediately being mentioned by Sportsnet as a potential trade partner for the Panthers in this case.

This will be something to watch closely over the next few hours.

Rodrigues, 31 years old, is a speedy forward standing 5’11” and weighing 182 pounds.

He indeed recorded 15 points in 21 games during the 2025 NHL Playoffs and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.