Recent reports suggest that Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving has shown interest in acquiring veteran Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans. According to David Pagnotta of ‘The Fourth Period’, teams like Toronto and Los Angeles are exploring options to bolster their bottom-six forward groups, with Evans being a prime target. Evans, 28, has recorded 5 goals and 14 points in 26 games this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. citeturn0search0
Evans is known for his reliability in the bottom-six and excels on the penalty kill, leading all forwards in shorthanded ice time on one of the league’s top penalty-killing units. His $1.7 million cap hit makes him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their depth without significant financial commitment. The Canadiens are reportedly aware of Evans’ value and the interest he is generating, which could influence their approach to contract discussions or potential trade considerations. citeturn0search0
For the Maple Leafs, acquiring a player like Evans would address their need for depth in the bottom-six forward group, especially as injuries have impacted their roster this season. The team has been exploring options to stabilize their forward lines, and Evans’ skill set aligns with their objectives. However, with the Canadiens being a divisional rival, any trade discussions would require careful consideration of the competitive implications.
As the trade deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid, and both teams’ strategies will become clearer. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring developments to see how this potential move unfolds.
