The NHL trade deadline is approaching, and the rumor mill is churning. One name that continues to surface is Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans. Despite the Canadiens’ surprising push for a playoff spot, Evans, a pending unrestricted free agent, appears to be on the move.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun recently reported that the New Jersey Devils have expressed interest in Evans. This makes a lot of sense considering the Devils’ need for depth down the middle. While Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier form a formidable one-two punch, the third-line center position has been a revolving door. Erik Haula, the current occupant of that spot, is battling an ankle injury, further highlighting the need for reinforcements.
Evans is having a career year and will pass his previous bests in goals and points. His 10 goals and 13 assists in 40 games make him an attractive option for a Devils team looking to solidify their playoff position and make a deep run. Evans’ responsible two-way game and ability to contribute offensively would be a valuable addition to the Devils’ lineup.
Jake Evans Trade a Perfect Fit for the New Jersey Devils?
While the Devils are the frontrunners in the Evans sweepstakes, they’re not alone. The LA Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs are also rumored to be interested. Both teams have their own reasons for pursuing Evans. The Kings are looking for a reliable third-line center to complement their young core, while the Leafs are always looking to add depth for a playoff push.
It’s worth noting that Evans’ potential departure from Montreal seems somewhat surprising. The Canadiens are exceeding expectations this season and are in the thick of the playoff race. However, it appears that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is prioritizing draft capital and future assets over a potential playoff berth. This pragmatic approach could be beneficial for the Canadiens in the long run, but it leaves a hole in their current lineup.
The coming weeks will be interesting as we see how this situation unfolds. Will the Devils land Evans and solidify their center depth? Or will another team swoop in and acquire the forward? One thing is certain: Jake Evans is a name to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
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Habs are more than likely to extend Jake on a 3-4 team friendly deal between 3 and 3.5m… It would take a massive overpay to get Evans… Dvorak is available 😉
“3-4 year” team friendly deal