Canadiens Rumors: Jake Evans Trade Becoming More Likely

Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans is one of the top trade candidates in the NHL right now. The 28-year-old forward is having a career season and is a pending unrestricted free agent, so there has been plenty of interest in him.

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens trading Evans before the deadline is becoming more likely due to the player and team not being close with their extension talks.

"My understanding is Jake Evans and the Canadiens have exchanged numbers on what an extension might look like and they’re not close," LeBrun reported in an X post. "Obviously things can change with one phone call, but as of now that makes it more likely Evans gets dealt before the March 7 deadline."

LeBrun also reported that calls about Evans are increasing because the Canadiens are beginning to fall out of the playoff race.

Evans would be a major addition to any contender looking for help in their bottom six and on their penalty kill. The Toronto, Ontario native is having a strong season offensively, as he has 11 goals, 27 points, and a plus-2 rating.

We will need to wait and see what happens with Evans and the Canadiens from here, but the sweepstakes should only heat up more as the deadline continues to get closer.