People are talking about the transaction market.
For the New Jersey Devils, the quest for a reliable defensive center is no longer just an option, but a necessity.
The franchise, which is experiencing a great defensive comeback this season, is in a good position to dream of the Stanley Cup.
After a horrible year last season, including a team that struggled to raise its defensive level, the Devils have finally found stability on defense thanks to a key change in their system and additions in recent years like Dougie Hamilton , Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon and Johnathan Kovacevic. (Kent Hughes breaks out in a cold sweat reading this text).
But to crown this transformation, one last ingredient is missing: a center who can not only control the game defensively, but also have an impact on special teams. And that’s where Jake Evans comes in.
Jake Evans, a player who seems to have continued to evolve under Martin St-Louis in Montreal, is becoming much more than just a support center for the Montreal Canadiens.
With 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in 24 games this season, Evans has a similar ratio to the Devils’ Dawson Mercer (14 points in 28 games), but with a much deeper impact in the defensive zone.
Indeed, while maintaining respectable offensive production, Evans excels on the penalty kill, an aspect of his game that has not gone unnoticed by the Devils’ decision-makers.
Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has repeatedly reiterated his desire to bolster his depth at center, particularly on the fourth line or down the line.
He is looking for a player who can win faceoffs in his own zone, be responsible defensively, and contribute to strong special teams.
Evans checks all of these boxes. And while Mercer openly complains about not playing his natural position at center, finding himself stuck on the third line on the right, the Devils are starting to realize that the real asset they’re missing might be Evans.
But why would the Devils consider trading Evans when Dawson Mercer, their young talent, is also having a mediocre season?
Mercer, with 14 points in 28 games, has yet to demonstrate his worth as an NHL center, and his calls to play that position are becoming increasingly vocal.
Yet, despite his frustrations, it is clear that Mercer has not proven, over the long term, that he can establish himself in this role with New Jersey. This is where Jake Evans could come into play.
On the surface, the transaction seems logical, even inevitable. Not only does Evans possess incomparable defensive value, but he also plays a key role on special teams, an area where the Devils need depth.
Evans, who has the perfect security style for the playoffs, strings together solid performances in defensive zones while maintaining a moderate offensive presence, perfect for a bottom-six center.
The challenge for Kent Hughes, general manager of the Canadiens, is to skillfully navigate this situation. Evans, being a player who is starting to establish himself as a model of reliability, sees his value rise.
However, the problem is the amount his agent seems willing to negotiate: a long-term contract in the range of $4 million to $4.5 million per year.
If Hughes agrees to this request, he puts himself at risk. While the request is understandable given the growth of Evans’ game, it could quickly become a strategic mistake, especially in a rebuilding Canadiens roster where every dollar under the salary cap counts.
In comparison, if the Devils decide to make a serious offer to Evans, it would be interesting to know if he would agree to extend his contract with them at a salary that, while high, could be more aligned with New York’s salary structure. Jersey.
The Devils, looking for stability, might be willing to give this contract away, but at what cost to Kent Hughes?
For the Canadiens, the temptation to maximize Evans’ value by trading him might make more sense in the long run.
They could capitalize on a player whose contract demand is increasing while looking to bolster their own roster through a return in talent or draft picks.
So the Devils’ interest in Evans isn’t just a coincidence. The Canadian could well find in this situation a unique opportunity to strengthen his future while meeting an immediate need for depth at center.
If Evans were to be traded, and if that transaction comes to fruition with a contract extension for Evans in New Jersey, it would offer the Canadiens a chance to reorient their roster while reducing salary pressure.
The return could include a young center who is not used in his natural position with the Devils. Is it time to dream of Dawson Mercer in Montreal?
The Devils, meanwhile, would be happy to get Evans, a player who fills a specific need while providing stability to a center who could find himself in a crucial role in the playoffs.
With competition in the Metropolitan Division becoming increasingly fierce, Fitzgerald might not want to pass up an opportunity to add such a player.
In an ideal world, the transaction would be Evans (extended) for Mercer, but reality will dictate that the CH will have to add one or more elements to the balance.
The Canadiens would then receive in return a player capable of strengthening their roster in the long term, while allowing Evans to be part of a team looking for depth and continuity in its defensive and special teams.
The Devils are dreaming of Evans, and the Canadiens might just find themselves in the perfect position to take advantage.
A judicious, strategic and beneficial trade opportunity for both teams, but above all for a golden opportunity to obtain a young player who has always been in Kent Hughes’ sights.
Dawson Mercer in Montreal…would calm the anger of Quebec.
Although Jake Evans seems to be an increasingly serious target for the Devils, we must not forget that another Canadian player could also attract the attention of New Jersey: Christian Dvorak.
If the Devils are unable to reach a deal with the Canadiens for Evans, Dvorak represents a solid alternative for depth at center for the playoffs, even if he won’t allow for Mercer.
But Kent Hughes’ plan A is indeed to go after the Devils striker, while Mercer’s frustration could become a breaking point for New Jersey, the Canadian must take advantage of this situation.
It’s up to the CH CEO to play.
