The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in an interesting spot as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Despite preseason predictions that they’d be among the league’s worst teams, the Habs’ front office had bigger plans in mind.
Team executives Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes wanted the Canadiens fighting for a playoff spot late in the season. That’s not quite how things have played out – they’re currently sitting outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Now they’ve got some tough decisions to make about several players, but none more intriguing than Jake Evans.
The 27-year-old center is drawing serious attention from around the league. It’s not hard to see why – he’s got a bargain contract at $1.7 million and would be perfect for any contender looking to boost their bottom six forwards and penalty kill.
At least six teams are reportedly interested:
- New Jersey Devils
- Los Angeles Kings
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Minnesota Wild
- New York Islanders
- Nashville Predators
But here’s where it gets complicated: The Canadiens actually want to keep Evans. They’ve been trying to work out a contract extension, but money’s becoming a sticking point.
If Evans is looking for more than $3.5 million per season, he’s probably played his last game in a Habs uniform.
Pierre LeBrun of TSN broke news of the contract struggles on February 9th. "They’re not close," he reported about the negotiations.
This week, LeBrun provided an update that won’t make Canadiens fans happy: nothing’s changed. Both sides are still far apart on the numbers.
"All signs point towards a trade," LeBrun said, noting that the Habs have already been talking with other teams.
But don’t expect Montreal to give Evans away cheap. They’ve already got plenty of draft picks, and they’re planning to compete for playoffs next year. They’ll want at least a second-round pick – probably more.
The clock’s ticking as the trade deadline approaches. Will Evans stay or go? That might depend on whether someone blinks first in these contract talks.
