New Jersey Devils Talking Trade With Montreal Canadiens
According to insider Pierre LeBrun on TSN, the Devils have already reached out to the Habs and have "kicked the tires" on the breakout bottom-six forward.
The Canadiens definitely want to keep him, and Evans wants to stay, but the team has admitted to the 28-year-old forward that he may have priced himself out of a contract in Montreal, says LeBrun, unless he's ready to give a hometown discount.
The Habs have informed Evans that they will try to sign him. They are interested in keeping him around beyond this season but I think that part of that message is that they can't afford for Evans to get his home run deal in Montreal. There's going to have to be some give and take for Evans to remain a Montreal Canadien past this season.
Evans is on pace for career highs of 20 goals and 47 points, blowing his previous best marks out of the water. He can head into free agency on a high. “This is his moment, contract-wise, add LeBrun. "He’s at the peak of his career."
The Devils are well-aware, and would love to bring Evans in to meet several needs. "From what I understand, they are looking to acquire a center for their third or fourth line. He is a right-handed player who can win faceoffs and kill penalties."
Thus far, extension discussions between Montreal GM Kent Hughes and Evans have only been preliminary, but the Habs have made it clear they want to keep him. Now the puck is in Evans's court as to just how much he wants to stay.
Photo: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images
