Canadiens interested in keeping Jake Evans ‘With no guarantees’: Report
The Montreal Canadiens must make a difficult decision on forward Jake Evans, with conflicting rumors adding to the mystery surrounding his future ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.
According to NHL source Pierre LeBrun, Montreal is interested in keeping Evans but has not committed to a long-term contract, leaving the door open for a trade. “The Montreal Canadiens have let Jake Evans know they are interested in keeping him around but that it can’t be a home-run deal,” LeBrun wrote for The Athletic.
“Term is likely going to be the impediment in this negotiation. “Both parties will take a stab at it, but there’s no guarantee it’ll get done.” LeBrun also stated that the New Jersey Devils have showed interest in the 28-year-old if he becomes available for trade. “The New Jersey Devils are among the teams that have already kicked tires,” LeBrun stated in a letter.
Evans has 10 goals and 13 assists in 43 games this season, and his inexpensive $1.7 million salary cost makes him an appealing target for contending teams trying to improve their center depth. However, Evans is poised to hit unrestricted free agency in July, making him only a rental for the acquiring team.
A deal may never happen, according to TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie, who rejected LeBrun’s report and claims Evans is almost certain to stay in Montreal. “I don’t know when, but there is a wedding coming to ensure that Jake stays in the organization,” Lavoie said, adding that the extension would be signed “when, not if”.
Montreal has stunned many by fighting its way into postseason contention with a 21-18-4 record and seven wins in its previous ten games. General manager Kent Hughes seems hesitant to completely embrace a trade-deadline sell strategy, as outlined at his mid-season press conference. “We wanted to be in the mix in terms of progressing as a team,” Hughes said the crowd.
“We want this bunch to feel the burden of learning how to win when it matters. We’re having that talk right now, and we’ll see how our players respond.” The Canadiens have until March 7 to decide whether Evans will remain with the team or whether he will be traded.