Thanks to a 13-3-1 record from December 17th to January 21st, there was growing belief that the Montreal Canadiens may pull one of the top rental centers off the trade market and instead target an extension. However, due to a 1-6-1 record through their last eight contests, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believes the Canadiens have repivoted toward trading Jake Evans at this year’s trade deadline.
LeBrun shared that Evans and Montreal exchanged numbers on a hypothetical contract extension but haven’t gotten close. He also hints that more teams have called the Canadiens regarding Evans’ availability since they began sliding down the Eastern Conference standings.
There’s no question that Evans would make a valuable rental candidate for almost any contending team. He’s only two points shy of reaching a career-high in points while being the leading center on the seventh-ranked penalty kill in the league. The Toronto, Ontario native also gained ample playoff experience during Montreal’s Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.
Evans’ 11 goals and 27 points through 55 games this season don’t suggest he should be placed in a top-six role with a playoff team, but he’s an ideal third-line center for most clubs. The Canadiens may be able to create a bidding war, given his reasonable $1.7MM salary without any trade protection.
The Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets could all use more depth down the middle as they continue their push toward the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. Montreal should have plenty of flexibility to capture the best available return.
If Jake Evans becomes available, he’s going to be a real hot commodity. He’s proven to being a top-notch bottom-six player who can add solid secondary scoring and PK capabilities.
Now speaking as a fan for my team, I really hope Tampa takes a go at Evans as he would be a valuable depth asset. I guess only time will tell.
If not picks maybe Ethan Gauthier may get it done. It’s worth the ask.
Honestly, the asking price is too high. Evans is a bottom-six talent. Gauthier has a much higher ceiling than Evans does as he’s projected as middle-six talent. Tampa would be getting ripped off in the deal.
Realistically, Evans is only worth a 3rd round pick at best. Tampa isn’t nor shouldn’t bet the house for a bottom-six talent like Evans by any means. I think Tampa’s best offer for Evans would be something along the lines of a 3rd round pick with a 6th round pick added or a 3rd or 4th round pick and a prospect like Max Groshev who projects as a bottom-six NHL talent.
Will Montreal get more than that from other teams? Quite Possibly. They’ll be teams to probably overcompensate Montreal for Evans.
He’s more valuable to the Habs as a trade chip, Than he is as a Canadien moving forward, Montreal is not even close to competing for a playoff spot.
I like Evan’s but dont want to get saddled with a long term contract or a high AAV on him. At $1.75 M per he is a great value. At 3.5M + or 5 years, not worth it. Get as much as you can and Beck can slot into his role. And for goodness sakes, get Laine more ice time.
Carolina