Unexpected Player Officially Placed on the Canadiens Trade Block: the Organization is Reportedly Ready to Give Up on Longtime Two-Way Centre

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes will undoubtedly face several tough decisions as the NHL trade deadline approaches. He will need to determine whether to trade or retain certain veterans who could attract the interest of teams aiming for playoff success.

However, complicating matters for the management, Martin St-Louis' team is currently just two points shy of a playoff spot, creating a significant dilemma regarding the team's direction on March 8. Should the Canadiens maintain the status quo and hope to qualify for the playoffs, or should they trade some players to acquire assets for ongoing rebuilding?

Certainly, players with expiring contracts, like Sean Monahan and Tanner Pearson, could be attractive depth options for teams seeking to bolster their third lines. However, the Canadiens also have players with two years remaining on their current contracts who might be more appealing acquisitions, given they'll be around for the 2024-2025 season.

Among these players, David Pagnotta has confirmed that Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, David Savard, and Jake Allen are all available on the trade market. However, given Kent Hughes' approach, a general manager will need to be willing to meet the asking price to acquire any of these four players.

Surprisingly, informant David Pagnotta also mentioned that the CH GM is not actively looking to part with Jake Evans but would be open to trading him if a team is truly interested in acquiring the center. This suggests that the 27-year-old forward is also available for trade.

"Forwards Christian Dvorak, Jake Evans, and Joel Armia, defenseman David Savard, and goalie Jake Allen are all signed for next season and, as recently reported by David Pagnotta, all forwards, except Evans, are actively available - although the club is ready to entertain calls regarding Evans." - Via The Fourth Period

Despite Jake Evans playing a significant role in Martin St-Louis' lineup, young prospect Owen Beck is likely to challenge for his position in the coming years. The Canadiens prospect is known for his two-way play and could soon assume a role on the third or fourth line.

Moreover, Jake Evans would be a great addition to a team needing responsible players, especially one who can also play on the penalty kill. It will be interesting to see if Kent Hughes will consider trading him if a concrete offer is presented before the NHL trade deadline.

Previously on habslatest

Canadiens Announces Major Moves in Laval: Two Players Involved

TRADE ALERT: The Canadiens Fourth Round Pick in the 2023 NHL Draft Has Been Traded

Major Trade Coming in the Next Few Hours? A Key NHL Rule Will Force Kent Hughes to Act Quickly

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19 DECEMBRE \| 696 ANSWERS Unexpected Player Officially Placed on the Canadiens Trade Block: the Organization is Reportedly Ready to Give Up on Longtime Two-Way Centre Would you trade Jake Evans for a 3rd round pick?
Yes	231	33.2 %
No	465	66.8 %
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