Insider confirms shocking news regarding the Canadiens and top free agent forward
The Montreal Canadiens want to keep Jake Evans moving forward, but if he wants to stay long-term, it appears negotiations on a new deal are going to be very tough.
As of late, the Montreal Canadiens have been one of, if not the hottest team in the NHL, and with their young core leading the charge, the team has some huge decisions to make on their future.
Perhaps the most intriguing name to keep an eye on is forward Jake Evans, who is playing the best hockey of his career, as he is on pace for over 45 points, which would help him surpass his career high of 28.
At 28 years of age, he's hitting free agency this summer at the peak of his career, and after earning $1.7 million annually over the past three years, he's likely to get paid in a big way, with the Canadiens wanting to keep him around moving forward as a great bottom-six forward.
Unfortunately, there are some complications with a potential deal, as the team likely doesn't want to give him a long-term deal, but with this being his big chance to cash in, that's going to cause an issue.
Habs don't want to trade Evans, but
The Montreal Canadiens have let Jake Evans know they are interested in keeping him around but that it can't be a home-run deal. And that's the rub as far as how this may play out.
As of late last week, there had only been preliminary discussions with the pending UFA forward. He's playing some of the best hockey of his career, and at 28, this is his best shot to cash in. Term is likely going to be the hurdle in this negotiation, I'm not convinced the Canadiens are comfortable going five or six years, and again, Evans is at an age where that security might be important.
Both sides will take a crack at it, but there's no guarantee it gets done, and despite where the team is at in the standings, depending on trade offers they may have to listen hard if he's not extended by March 7. He's making only $1.7 million this season, and cap-challenged contenders find that very appealing. The New Jersey Devils are among the teams that have already kicked tires.
Can he be extended and stay put? Yes. But it'd probably take both sides getting a little uncomfortable with the deal.
The Montreal Canadiens have let Jake Evans know they are interested in keeping him around but that it can't be a home-run deal. And that's the rub as far as how this may play out.
As of late last week, there had only been preliminary discussions with the pending UFA forward. He's playing some of the best hockey of his career, and at 28, this is his best shot to cash in. Term is likely going to be the hurdle in this negotiation, I'm not convinced the Canadiens are comfortable going five or six years, and again, Evans is at an age where that security might be important.
Both sides will take a crack at it, but there's no guarantee it gets done, and despite where the team is at in the standings, depending on trade offers they may have to listen hard if he's not extended by March 7. He's making only $1.7 million this season, and cap-challenged contenders find that very appealing. The New Jersey Devils are among the teams that have already kicked tires.
Can he be extended and stay put? Yes. But it'd probably take both sides getting a little uncomfortable with the deal.
That comes from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, who notes that both parties will need to get uncomfortable to make a deal happen, and with interest in the trade market, they're likely to make a big decision before the March 7 trade deadline.
MUST READ
