Negotiations between Jake Evans and the Montreal Canadiens have stalled, and a trade appears likely. An insider revealed that the two sides are far apart on terms for a potential contract extension, increasing the chances of Evans being dealt. While a trade may not happen in the next two weeks, the expectation is that the Canadiens will entertain offers and finalize a deal before the March 7th deadline.
Pierre LeBrun shared on TSN that the Canadiens and Evans have exchanged contract proposals, but they are not close to an agreement. “Things could change with a phone call, but right now, it seems more probable that Evans will be traded before the deadline,” LeBrun noted. The Canadiens’ recent struggles have led to increased interest from other teams regarding Evans.
Evans, a pending UFA with a $1.7 million cap hit this season, is an attractive option for teams seeking a cost-effective depth player. If the Canadiens agree to retain part of his salary in a trade, multiple teams could express interest.
This season, Evans has posted 11 goals and 27 points in 55 games. While it’s unclear what the Canadiens might seek in return, rental players this season have fetched high returns, including first-round picks. If a bidding war ensues and Montreal retains salary, they could secure a solid return for Evans.
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