Canadiens Centre Jake Evans Linked to Two Canadian Teams, per Frank Seravalli
The Montreal Canadiens are not expected to make the playoffs this season, and one of their players could be made available and is linked to two Canadian teams.
Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans is the 17th skater on Daily Faceoff Frank Seravalli's Trade Targets list, being an intelligent and dependable player.
The 28-year-old right-shot forward comes in at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds, with a $1.7 million cap hit before reaching unrestricted free agency this summer.
In his sixth full NHL campaign, all of which have come with Montreal, Evans has suited up in 317 games, notching 38 goals and 117 points.
This season, he has 11 goals and 25 points in 49 games while averaging 15:38 per night. Evans has built his game as a reliable, two-way forward, which has garnered attention from teams around the league.
He would likely center the fourth line on a legitimate Stanley Cup contender but has proven he can play against top lines and chip in some offense as well.
He can also move to the wing and is an elite penalty killer, leading the NHL in shorthanded goals behind only Florida's Sam Reinhart. His ability to create chances while shorthanded comes from instinct and stick work, not from taking chances.
Seravalli links the Leafs and Flames to Evans
The teams linked to Evans per Seravalli are Toronto and Calgary. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving needs a third-line center who's sound defensively but can chip in some offense.
The Calgary Flames have interest, too. as the Flames seek a right-shot center like Evans, even though he isn't the high-end scorer they seek.
Evans won't single-handedly change a team's fortunes, but in the right role, he is a sneaky, under-the-radar addition that could help push a contender over the top.
