After 17 NHL seasons, forward Andrew Cogliano announced his retirement on Friday. The 2024 Stanley Cup Final was simply outstanding. While it seemed that the Florida Panthers would easily take the series after going up 3-0, the Edmonton Oilers showed great determination and forced a Game 7. Unfortunately for them, their bid for the reverse sweep was unsuccessful. The Panthers defeated the Oilers by a 2-1 final score in Game 7, securing their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. With this Panthers win, former Colorado Avalanche forward Evan Rodrigues lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time. The Toronto native certainly earned it, too. Evan Rodrigues [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3NDAzNzAzODk5MDA2MzY3/usatsi_23616313.jpg] Evan Rodrigues Rodrigues, 30, was magnificent for the Panthers during the postseason. The undrafted forward gave them clutch secondary scoring, posting seven goals, 15 points, and a plus-6 rating in 24 playoff games. However, he picked up his game even further in the Stanley Cup Final, recording four goals and seven points in seven games. After his one-year stint with the Avalanche, Rodrigues signed his four-year, $12 million deal with the Panthers last offseason. After this great playoff run from Rodrigues, the Panthers must feel incredibly happy that they signed him to this contract. It worked out perfectly for them during the playoffs. RECENT AVALANCHE NEWS Former Avalanche goalie tells hilarious trade story [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/former-avalanche-goalie-tells-hilarious-trade-story] Avalanche forward named top trade candidate [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/avalanche-forward-named-top-trade-candidate] Avalanche 2024-25 preseason schedule released [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/avalanche-preseason-schedule-released] The Colorado Avalanche's Best Active Homegrown Player: Brought to You By Upper Deck [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/the-colorado-avalanches-best-active-homegrown-player-brought-to-you-by-upper-deck] Avalanche in the mix for Canadiens defender [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/latest-news/avalanche-in-the-mix-for-canadiens-defender]