Maple Leafs Unlikely to Qualify Evan Rodrigues

Luke Fox of Sportsnet writes that despite his potential as a small forward, the Toronto Maple Leafs are not likely to qualify newly acquired 27-year old Evan Rodrigues.

Rodrigues was picked up as of the Kasperi Kapanen trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins this week and while Dubas did say having depth was important, the Leafs are still working on a tight salary cap and Rodrigues contract is not ideal.

If the Leafs decided to qualify Rodrigues, it would cost the team a $2 million qualifying offer and that doesn’t seem realistic considering what the Leafs overall goals are. But, Dubas does plan on talking to Rodrigues’ camp to see if there’s a way to keep the forward in the fold.

Fox quotes Dubas who said:

Depth is something we really have to be careful about. That’s why it was important for us to have Rodrigues in the deal as well and begin to have a conversation with his representatives about the opportunity that may be here for him.”

Could Dubas Flip Rodrigues in Another Trade?

Fox notes that Dubas is entertaining all options open at this point. That means, while he’s talking to Rodrigues’ camp, he could also be looking to make moves that include the forward.

There is plenty of speculation that the Leafs are looking to move four key pieces in Frederik Andersen, Alex Kerfoot, Andreas Johnsson and Pierre Engvall. It’s unlikely those trades would be one-for-one if completed. As such, seeing Rodrigues worked into any future deal should not surprise anyone, especially if continuing to find cap space is important to the Maple Leafs’ organization.

The Leafs aren’t likely done making moves and Rodrigues stay in Toronto cold be short-lived. Such is the business of what’s going to happen with this flat salary cap.

Next: Maple Leafs Might Flip First-Round Pick From Kapanen Trade