Jake Evans' Value Revealed: Canadiens Set Price, Trade Talks Heat Up
The Montreal Canadiens, a team perpetually navigating the tightrope between rebuilding and remaining competitive, find themselves at a crucial crossroads.
And at the heart of their decision-making lies Jake Evans, a gritty, reliable center whose future in the bleu, blanc, et rouge hangs precariously in the balance.
Forget the whispers of a quiet trade deadline; the Canadiens are playing hardball. With the clock ticking to March 7th, the message is clear: Jake Evans is likely on the move, and Kent Hughes, Montreal's shrewd general manager, isn't settling for spare change.
Has Jake Evans priced himself out of Montreal or has he simply become too important to trade?@Lappy14: "No chance in the world I would trade Jake Evans!"#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/0W37I7Hslf
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) February 26, 2025
Contracts talk Decline
Evans, a $1.7 million bargain for his defensive prowess and penalty-killing expertise, has caught the eye of numerous contenders. But contract negotiations have hit an iceberg. The chasm between Evans' desired $3.5 million-plus annual salary and the Canadiens' valuation has turned a potential extension into a looming divorce.
"It's status quo," TSN's Pierre LeBrun bluntly stated, confirming the impasse. "Both sides remain far apart."
The Canadiens' Demanding Return
This isn't your typical deadline drama. The Canadiens, already flush with draft picks, aren't looking for quantity. They're demanding quality. Forget the late-round fliers; Hughes has made it crystal clear: a second-round pick is an absolute floor, and they are pushing for a first-round pick.
They've even reportedly told interested teams, "Don't waste your time" with lesser offers.
Why the high stakes? Evans, at 28, is a proven commodity. He's the kind of player championship-chasing teams crave: a reliable bottom-six center who can kill penalties with ruthless efficiency. His value isn't just in his stats; it's in his unwavering commitment to the dirty work.
A Package Deal to Maximize Value
But the Canadiens aren't stopping there. They're exploring a bold move: packaging Evans with fellow pending UFA Joel Armia. Imagine the possibilities: a double dose of penalty-killing prowess, a potent shutdown duo hitting the market. It's a gamble, but one that could yield a significant return, potentially even that coveted third first-round pick.
"Could the Habs package Joel Armia and Jake Evans, the two penalty-killing buddies who are both pending UFAs?" LeBrun pondered, crediting The Athletic's Arpon Basu for the idea. "That is something that I believe the Habs have given some thought to."
Who Will Land Evans?
Teams like the Devils, Kings, Lightning, Wild, Islanders, and Predators are reportedly circling, each hoping to add Evans' grit to their playoff push.
