Two Teams Linked to Jake Evans, Including One of Their Biggest Rivals

The Montreal Canadiens haven't taken the step forward that many expected in 2024/25, and with their rebuild continuing, it's safe to say that they'll once again be sellers at the trade deadline.

The likes of Mike Matheson, Joel Armia and David Savard remain in trade speculation as the team continue to struggle, and now, Jake Evans has joined that group, with David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period addressing his availability.

According to Pagnotta, both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Los Angeles Kings make sense as landing spots for the 28-year old, who is on pace to have a career year in 2024/25 on the Canadiens fourth line.

In 26 games played, Evans has posted 5 goals and 14 points, putting him on pace to break his career high of 29 points posted back in 2021/22, as he continues to be one of Montreal's most consistent performers.

Evans was a seventh-round pick for Montreal way back in the 2014 NHL Draft, and given that he's already provided them with a solid, consistent play in the bottom-six, it's safe to say that it was a great pick for the team.

While he may never transform into a high-scoring middle-six player, center's aren't easy to come by in the NHL, and given that many teams out there would like to add an experienced bottom-six centerman, he's a great candidate.

Now, he is in the final year of a three-year deal that carries a $1.7 million AAV cap hit, and given the production he provides combined with being a pending UFA, he should be a fairly solid pickup for any team out there, so expect more than just Toronto and LA to be interested in picking up a fourth liner at that price.