Rodrigues is already showing his variety of skills during his first two games with Florida

Evan Rodrigues has looked like a perfect fit during his first two games with the Florida Panthers.

Granted, it’s a small sample size, but Rodrigues performance has further proven a idea that has been growing since he signed a four-year, $12 million contract with Florida on July 2.

The skillset that Rodrigues brings to the table – an elite shot, shoot first-mentality guy with great hands around the net, high-end playmaking ability and solid two-way play – seemed like a bargain to add to Florida’s forward ranks at an AAV (average annual value) of just $3 million.

Through two games, that has absolutely been the case.

He’s got two goals, two assists, nine shots on goal and a plus-two on-ice rating.

What’s interesting about Rodrigues’ two goals is that while he’s perhaps best known for a laser of a one-timer, both tallies came within a couple feet of the net, one banging home a rebound and another on a moving deflection.

Speaking after Saturday’s game in Winnipeg, Florida’s second straight loss to open the season, Rodrigues said he hopes his strong start is a sign of things to come, but ultimately, wins are far more valuable than points.

“It’s nice to get (my first goal) out of the way and hopefully just build on that, but you’d like to get a win before a goal, I think,” Rodrigues said.

That team-first, egoless mentality is a characteristic shared throughout the Panthers locker room.

As the team did a year ago, Florida should be able to get things on track.

Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice knows what his players are capable of, and understands a team comprised of half returning players and half new guys isn’t going to be a perfectly cohesive unit right off the bat.

Even with the production by Rodrigues and his linemates, there were still some plays that were left on the ice.

Given time, those sharp edges should get smoothed out. That’s generally the case with players of this talent level.

“It'll just takes a little while for the chemistry to build between offensive players,” Maurice said. “It takes them a while to find each other. I think it will start to come.”

Considering what we’re already seeing, the idea that things could continue to blossom is a very good thing for Rodrigues the Panthers. 

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