Avalanche signing center Rodrigues

*Photo from Pens Labyrinth*

   It was surprising that it took this long, but it's over now. The Colorado Avalanche and C/RW Evan Rodrigues have agreed to a one year, $2 million deal, according to an announcement by the team on Monday morning.

   With Nazem Kadri off to the Calgary Flames in free agency, the Avalanche began going after Rodrigues to try and replace the void down the middle that was left by Kadri. Rodrigues had a breakout season in 2021-2022, breaking the 30 point mark for the first time in his NHL career.

   Among Pittsburgh Penguins skaters, Rodrigues was the only one to play all 82 regular season games in 2021-2022, a career best for Rodrigues. He finished tied for 5th on the team in goals, tied for 4th in power play goals, tied for 6th in assists, and 6th place in points. He led Penguins skaters in power play points in the playoffs, and was 3rd in playoff goals.

   Colorado GM Chris McFarland said of Rodrigues that "We are excited to add a two-way player with Evan's versatility to our group. He is coming off his best offensive season and has shown he can play in a variety of roles and help a lineup in many ways."

   Last season in Pittsburgh was Rodrigues's second full year. He ended the season with a career high 19 goals and career high 24 assists, recording a career best +3 plus/minus rating over a career high 15:50 of average ice time in 82 regular season games. He had 3 goals and 2 assists in 7 playoff games.

   Rodrigues has spent 7 seasons in the NHL, split between the Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. Rodrigues has 53 goals and 76 assists, posting a -30 plus/minus rating over an average of 14:24 of ice time per game, in 316 career regular season games. He has an additional 3 goals and 3 assists in 9 career playoff games.

   So far this offseason, the Avalanche have lost Kadri, Jack Johnson, Darcy Kuemper, and Andre Burakovsky. To replace them, Rodrigues joins Alexandar Georgiev as notable additions. Colorado also re-signed Darren Helm, Andrew Cogliano, Artturi Lehkonen, Josh Manson, and Valeri Nichushkin.