26-02-2025
Time is Running Out For Evans
Before the 4 Nations Face-Off, Montreal Canadiens' forward Jake Evans used the past tense when asked what it means to be a Hab for him, and it sounded like he might have played his last game wearing the Sainte-Flanelle. While he's still in Montreal, sources report to that he will be moved if a contract extension isn't signed before the weekend.
Given the fact there's just over a week left before the trade deadline, it makes sense for Kent Hughes to decide one way or another. Rush trades never bring as good a return, and according to the above-mentioned article by Marco D'Amico, there is plenty of interest in the 28-year-old pivot.
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The sticking point in the contract talks appears to be the cap hit; because of the upcoming significant salary cap increase, the Evans camp is reportedly looking for a cap hit of over $3.5 M annually.
His asking price could also complicate Hughes' job as he tries to trade him. A suitor who knows it doesn't want to sign him up for an extension won't be willing to give that much for a rental player.
Hughes clearly stated he has plenty of draft assets and doesn't want to overload his roster with rookies next season; he believes this would slow down the team's progress. He won't be looking for fourth-round draft picks, and he's not going to give Evans away.
Some have suggested that putting him in a package deal with Joel Armia may maximize his return. A contender might find acquiring a ready-made penalty killers duo attractive, and it could help Hughes lend a roster player ready to step in.
On Wednesday morning, BPM Sports' Tony Marinaro reported that Evans is after a five year contract with a $4 million cap hit. That's quite a sizeable commitment to make to a 28-year-old bottom six player. Armia is getting $3.4 M right now on the fourth line and the general consensus is, it's too much to spend on a fourth liner. The question is, will the rising salary cap move the needle that much? I doubt it, no right away in any case and Hughes has to keep in mind how much he'll need to shell out when players like Ivan Demidov for instance are done with their ELC.
Selon ce que plusieurs sources proches du dossier ont indiqué à @TonyMarinaro , le clan Jake Evans demanderait un contrat de 5 ans et 20 millions $🤯
— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) February 26, 2025
While the Canadiens' center line is far from set, if it's impossible to sign Evans to an extension, Hughes will have to move him one way or another. Losing him for nothing when free agency opens would be a massive failure for the Habs' brass.
As things stand, next season, Nick Suzuki is the only center who is sure to return in his spot. Kirby Dach has yet to show he can be a consistent center in the NHL, and just like Evans, Christian Dvorak is set to become a free agent.
Owen Beck has shown promising play, but giving the youngster too much too soon wouldn't be the best idea. Martin St-Louis has always played the long game when it comes to the development of his players, and even though the team wants to move forward, rookies will still need to have the time to learn how to be NHLers.
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