The Montreal Canadiens’ hot streak in December and January had fans dreaming big, but those dreams are fading fast. After going 13-3-1 from mid-December to late January, the team has crashed back to earth with a brutal 1-6-1 stretch.
That slump has changed everything for Jake Evans and the Habs.
TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the Canadiens are now looking to trade Evans before the deadline – a big shift from their earlier plans to keep him around long-term.
The two sides did talk about a contract extension, but the numbers didn’t match up. Now, with Montreal sliding down the standings, more teams are calling about Evans.
It’s easy to see why he’s catching attention. Evans is having his best season yet, just two points away from setting a career high. He’s also been fantastic on special teams, leading all centers on Montreal’s seventh-ranked penalty kill.
The 27-year-old Toronto native brings something else valuable too – playoff experience from Montreal’s surprising run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
His stats this year are solid: 11 goals and 27 points in 55 games. While that’s not top-line material, it makes him perfect for a third-line role on a contender.
What makes Evans even more attractive? His $1.7 million salary is a bargain, and he has no trade protection in his contract.
Several teams could use his services:
– Minnesota Wild
– New Jersey Devils
– Ottawa Senators
– Tampa Bay Lightning
– Toronto Maple Leafs
– Winnipeg Jets
All these teams need help at center as they push for the playoffs, which means Montreal might just start a bidding war for Evans’ services.
