The Ideal Trade Scenario for the Vegas Golden Knights Emerges
The Golden Knights are looking for ways to ensure they remain competitive as they chase a Stanley Cup, and a star of the Canadiens has emerged as a trade option.
Fans love any kind of clash of opposites, be it an NHL original versus a new franchise or worst versus best. This time, the Vegas Golden Knights face off against the Montreal Canadiens in a true battle of contrasts.
The Canadiens are one of hockey's oldest and storied teams, founded in 1909. They have won 24 Stanley Cups and long were the gold standard, boasting legends like Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau.
But the last championship came in 1993, and recent struggles have left them near the basement of the NHL.
Against that backdrop, the Golden Knights are one of the league's most recent franchises, having begun play in 2017.
To this point, they've been very successful, having made the playoffs all but one season and making it to the Stanley Cup Final twice, capturing the whole thing in 2022-23.
Yet neither the Canadiens nor Golden Knights have ever claimed the Presidents' Trophy. With the Golden Knights eyeing another deep playoff run, they might get busy on the trade market.
This brings us to Jake Evans of the Canadiens: a bottom-six forward who excels on the penalty kill and in transition. Speedy, physical center, at 6'0", and 190 lbs, he is a natural fit in Vegas's forecheck-heavy system.
While Jake Evans isn't a big-time scorer, he has 10 goals and 13 assists this season, his work rate and versatility make him a great addition.
According to NHLTradeRumor.com's Dave Jenkins, one such deal could be sending Evans to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for prospect Matyas Sapovaliv and draft picks.
For the Canadiens, that's a promising return for a short-term rental, and the Golden Knights get a reliable piece for their playoff push.
