Evan Rodrigues was the Pittsburgh Penguins' shape-shifter. He could assume the identity of whoever the team needed him to be.
He didn't look out of place playing with Sidney Crosby. He looked comfortable on the first, second or third line. Rodrigues can play on the power play, kill penalties or be a role player. Rodrigues is also a quality defensive forward. He did everything for the Penguins except coach.
Regardless of where head coach Mike Sullivan used him, he produced. Rodrigues finished the 2020-21 season with a career high 19 goals and 43 points.
“He’s just a good player,… Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He has real good offensive instincts. He can play the center position. He can play the wing. He’s played some of his best hockey this year at the center position. We’ve utilized him on the power plays. We’ve utilized him on the penalty kill. One of the reasons why we signed (Rodrigues) was just because of his versatility and our ability to move him up and down the lineup depending on what the needs of the team are. And he’s certainly fulfilled that for us this year and then some."
The Penguins wanted to keep him but didn't have the cap space to do it. That opened the door for the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche to make a valuable 11th hour free agent signing Thursday. He signed a one-year deal for $2 million.
“We are excited to add a two-way player with Evan’s versatility to our group,… Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said.
Rodrigues projects to be a third line winger at this point. But any time the Avalanche have an injury, he is going to be moving up in the top six.
What Rodrigues proved in Pittsburgh is that he doesn't look out of place when he is on a line with elite level player. He can make up for Andre Burakovsky signing a five-year free agent deal with the Seattle Kraken. Burakovsky scores more goals, but Rodrigues brings more versatility. He's a Swiss Army Knife style forward.
Undoubtedly, Rodrigues, 29, hoped for a longer-term deal. Would guess he expected more money. The lack of salary cap availability hurt him. But this is an ideal situation for him to show his all-around ability.
This seems like a bonus acquisition for the Avalanche. It's a desirable player at a bargain price. Even champions need change in their lineup. You want a skilled player who wants to prove he belongs with a top team. You want a player who is hungry for success.
That's Rodrigues.
This could be one of the summer's value NHL signings.