Last-Minute Update on a Surprising Deadline Trade: Kent Hughes May Be More Busy Than Expected
As the NHL trade deadline is set for Friday, many are wondering if the trade market will explode in the coming days or if, on the contrary, we will witness the most boring deadline in recent years.
Of course, Canadiens fans are eager to see if Kent Hughes will attempt to acquire new assets to continue the rebuilding process started by the organization. Indeed, several veterans whose long-term future is not in Montreal, such as Jake Allen, David Savard, and Tanner Pearson, are frequently mentioned in various speculations.
However, according to Eric Engels, a journalist dedicated to the activities of the Tricolore for Sportsnet, another player from the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge is currently attracting interest across the NHL. This is 27-year-old center Jake Evans, who has 5 goals and 15 assists (20 points) in 61 games this season.
However, as reported by Eric Engels, teams looking to improve their "bottom-six" are not ready to take on his contract of 1.7 million valid until the end of the 2024-2025 season.
On the other hand, he believes that if the Canadiens' GM agrees to retain part of his salary, the organization could possibly make a big hit by getting another second-round pick.
"Even though Jake Evans is only earning 1.7 million until the end of next season, it's a bit more than what contending teams want to pay to add an excellent fourth-line center who can move up the lineup and play in different situations.
That said, the player is generating interest.
However, the Canadiens also value him, and they would probably like to get a second-round pick if they retain part of his salary or accept a contract in return." - Eric Engels
Personally, if Kent Hughes can add a selection in the top 64 for Jake Evans, he absolutely should do it. Yes, the Notre-Dame alumnus has rendered pride to the CH over the past five years, but he is not an indispensable player to the team. After all, Kirby Dach and Christian Dvorak will be returning to play next season, thus reducing Evans' importance within the Montreal lineup.
Moreover, it should not be forgotten that prospects like Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen, and Xavier Simoneau are knocking on the door of the NHL and could all take over the role of fourth center in the near future.
Although he has some utility in Martin St-Louis' lineup, his long-term future does not seem to be in Montreal, as he will inevitably have to give way to the team's young prospects in the future.
Jake Evans (50% of salary retained) for a second-round pick, do you do it?
| POLL |
4 MARS | 468 ANSWERS Last-Minute Update on a Surprising Deadline Trade: Kent Hughes May Be More Busy Than Expected Would you trade Evans for a 2nd? |
| Yes | 272 | 58.1 % |
| No | 196 | 41.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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