Rodrigues, 29, set career highs in goals (19), assists (24) and points (43) this past season, playing in 82 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was the only Penguins player to skate in every contest of the regular season, which was also a new career best for the 5-foot-11, 184-pound center. Rodrigues finished tied for fifth on the team in goals, tied for sixth in assists and finished the campaign ranked sixth in points. He recorded seven power-play goals, tied for fourth on the team. Rodrigues produced five points (3g/2a) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff contests, finishing tied for third in goals and pacing the Penguins with three power-play points.
"We are excited to add a two-way player with Evan's versatility to our group," said Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland. "He is coming off his best offensive season and has shown he can play in a variety of roles and help a lineup in many ways."
Signed by the Buffalo Sabres as a free agent on April 22, 2015, Rodrigues has totaled 129 points (53g/76a) in 316 career NHL games with Buffalo and Pittsburgh. He has recorded six points (3g/3a) in nine total postseason contests.
The Toronto, Ontario, native played two-plus seasons with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League from 2015-18, notching 70 points (23g/47a) in 128 career games.
Prior to turning pro, Rodrigues played four seasons of college hockey at Boston University, totaling 121 points (42g/79a) in 146 career NCAA contests. He served as an alternate captain in his senior campaign in 2014-15 and set career highs in goals (21), assists (40) and points (61) to help the Terriers to the 2015 Hockey East title and a berth in the 2015 NCAA National Championship Game. He led the team with three goals and four points during the NCAA Tournament. Rodrigues was named a Hockey East Second-Team All-Star in both his sophomore and senior years (2013 and 2015).
