Winnipeg Jets & Montreal Canadiens Emerging As Trade Partners

The Winnipeg Jets are buying and the Montreal Canadiens are selling. These two hockey clubs could be doing some business together before the 2025 NHL trade deadline.

The Jets are in the market for adding a centre to their middle-six, and while Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders may be their #1 target, there's growing speculation that Nelson would rather re-sign on Long Island or make his way to the Minnesota Wild. Insert Canadiens' center Jake Evans.

The 28-year-old defensive specialist has shown an ability to put the puck in the back of the net this season, including three of his 11 goals coming shorthanded. He's one of the best penalty killers in the league, his game screams playoff hockey, and he'd be a great addition to the Jets.

There's also David Savard, who is also a pending free agent and drawing trade interest from contending teams, so there's certainly a chance this deal could evolve into something bigger. Winnipeg is one of the only contending teams who has cap space to work with, with over $11 million in deadline cap space available. Adding Savard and Evans could easily fit under their salary cap.

Winnipeg has their 2025 first-round pick to dangle, plus the likes of Rasmus Kupari, Logan Stanley, Colby Barlow and Brayden Yager. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff isn't shy with making bold moves. Keep an eye on the Jets, they are going to be one of the most active 'buyers' ahead of the deadline, and a deal with the Canadiens is starting to make a lot of sense for their hockey club.