During last season’s NHL trade deadline, Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues experienced a moment of panic unrelated to his on-ice performance. According to insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast, Rodrigues feared he was included in the trade package used to acquire Brad Marchand. This fear was fueled by a series of pranks carried out by his own teammates.
After the Marchand trade was announced, the Panthers did not immediately disclose the details of the players being exchanged. This lack of information allowed teammates to intensify the speculation, and Rodrigues became the unintended target of their practical jokes.
They didn’t announce the return for over an hour,
Friedman recalled. He also shared how Rodrigues pulled him aside during a team trip to Toronto, urging him to refrain from revealing the trade specifics. The uncertainty led Rodrigues to believe that he might be headed back to Boston as part of the deal, with no reassurance from those around him to ease his concerns.
Definitely don’t let teammates play practical jokes when they’re terrified they’re being dealt out of a situation they’re happy in,
Friedman commented humorously when recounting the incident.
Rodrigues’ Commitment to the Panthers Amid Trade Rumors
Currently on a four-year contract with the Florida Panthers, Rodrigues has been at the center of trade speculation in the recent offseason. The team faces salary cap constraints, prompting rumors that he could be moved. Despite this, Rodrigues has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Panthers and continue building on his success within their system.
The prank from last season reflects a deeper tension, as the prospect of being traded has led to what Friedman described as a “mini panic attack” for Rodrigues. This suggests that the uncertainty surrounding his future has created a stressful atmosphere for him, especially with his name surfacing again in trade discussions.
Trade Deadline Drama Highlights Team Dynamics
This episode sheds light on the emotional toll trade deadlines can have on players, particularly when communication from management is delayed. Rodrigues’ reaction demonstrates how quickly doubt and anxiety can spread in a tightly-knit team environment, exacerbated by teammates’ teasing in moments of vulnerability.
For the Florida Panthers, managing player morale during trades remains a delicate balancing act, especially as they navigate cap space challenges. As for Rodrigues, his preference is clear, but the unfolding offseason will ultimately determine his fate within the NHL roster.