Top 10 UFA Ontario Boys for the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Feb 17, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Ilya Mikheyev (65) battles for the puck with Pittsburgh Penguins center Evan Rodrigues (9) during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

#10 Evan Rodrigues

Born: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 28
Position: Right Wing, Centre
Expiring Contract: $1 million AAV

Evan Rodriques was briefly a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs when he was traded to the team by the Pittsburgh Penguins with Filip Hallander, David Warsofsky and a 1st round pick (Rodion Amirov) for Kasperi Kapanen, Pontus Aberg and Jesper Lindgren in the summer of 2020.

However, Rodrigues signed back with the Pittsburgh Penguins that same summer as a UFA on a league minimum deal which make me believe that his loyalty is with the Penguins, and he is most likely hoping to re-sign in Pittsburgh. Rodrigues was also a UFA last offseason and re-signed with Pittsburgh on the first day of free agency. (some information from CapFriendly.com)

He really had a breakout year this season with 19 goals and 43 points in 82 games. He’s earned a raise for next season, and his status in Pittsburgh may depend on the Penguins priorities with big names like Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang scheduled to become UFA’s.

If Malkin or Letang sign elsewhere, the Penguins are very likely to keep Rodrigues. Even if they both stay, Rodrigues may remain a Penguin depending on Malkin and Letang’s deals. If he leaves Pittsburgh, the Toronto Maple Leafs may be a likely landing spot since the team seems interested in him after trading for him once prior.

On the Toronto Maple Leafs, Evan Rodrigues would be a welcomed addition to their bottom nine, but could even get a chance on their second line.

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