{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/jPyEcZfC.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "The free agent hopes his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins continues.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/jPyEcZfC-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/jPyEcZfC.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/jPyEcZfC.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/jPyEcZfC-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 182, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 172770, "filesize": 5399084, "framerate": 60 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/jPyEcZfC-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 272, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 220772, "filesize": 6899154, "framerate": 60 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/jPyEcZfC-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 724, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 673759, "filesize": 21054992, "framerate": 60 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/jPyEcZfC-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113800, "filesize": 3556273 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/jPyEcZfC-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 362, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 275631, "filesize": 8613481, "framerate": 60 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/jPyEcZfC-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 544, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 411429, "filesize": 12857172, "framerate": 60 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Heading into the 2021-22 NHL season, Evan Rodrigues wasn’t expected to be anywhere near the Pittsburgh Penguins starting lineup." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Thanks to injuries from multiple key players, the Penguins were forced to utilize the low-scoring forward." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Through the first month of the season, Rodrigues did something he hadn’t done too much of in a Penguins uniform before; he scored, and scored a lot." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "In the opening 13 games of the season, Rodrigues put up six goals and five assists for 11 points." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "This pace continued for Rodrigues into the following months, and at the half-way point of the season had already surpassed career highs in goals and points." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "15 goals in 41 games well exceeded his previous high of nine in 74 in 2018-19 with the Buffalo Sabres." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Despite hitting career highs in huge categories in just half of the season, it was the last 41 that left a lot to be desired." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Rodrigues regressed hard into lowered production; four goals and nine assists for 13 points in the last 41 games of the season." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "A question that rises with the Penguins this offseason is what do they do with the expiring contract of Rodrigues?" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Should the team bring him back in hopes that he can find that confidence from October-December, or let him walk because the ladder half saw a return to form?" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Rodrigues may have had a career year, but he couldn’t continue to dominate all year, all but packing his bags out of town." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "In total, Rodrigues scored 43 points, but he was pacing for 60+, and in a “what have you done for me lately?” league, the answer is not much." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Overall, there is no arguing that Rodrigues had a respectable season; hitting career highs for any player is a step in the right direction." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Penguins just need to put their priorities in the right direction, and that doesn’t include Rodrigues." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "They should consider looking inward at prospects who can fill the roster spot or externally for some new blood." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Updates on Penguins Talks with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Assistants Linked to Head Coaching Vacancies" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Pittsburgh Penguins Hire New Management Group for PPG Paints Arena" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Brass at Steelers Practice: Who Are They Scouting?" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Five Players Penguins Should Consider Trading" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Youth Movement Features Four Names" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Need Revamped Second Line" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

What Should the Penguins Do with Evan Rodrigues?