Colorado Avalanche make a significant roster addition late into the offseason
The Colorado Avalanche, fresh off of their Stanley Cup Championship this summer, have made a splash on Monday, securing a deal with arguably the biggest free agent name remaining in the forward market.
According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the Avs have come to terms on a 1-year deal with former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evan Rodrigues. The deal is reportedly worth $2M.
Rodrigues enjoyed a very successful 2021-22 campaign with the Pens, racking up 19 goals and 24 assists for a total of 43 points in 82 games - a career best in all categories. The 29-year-old Toronto native also fired 243 pucks on goal, also a career best.
Rodrigues likely slots in at the 2C spot for the Avs this season, though it's entirely possible that the Avs elect to utilize Rodrigues on the wing and run with either J.T. Compher or youngster Alex Newhook at 2C. There's also the possibility that the Avs pull off a trade to address their needs at 2C by dealing one of their 8 NHL defensemen. There were some rumours early on this summer that the Avs may attempt to move on from Samuel Girard or Erik Johnson.
At this point, the Avs still have approximately $1.9M remaining in available cap space. They may not be done just yet.
