While Jake Evans is having the best season of his career, with a projection of more than 50 points, the 27-year-old center of the Montreal Canadiens finds himself at the heart of a debate about his future.
If Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports affirms with certainty that Evans will sign an extension with Montreal, an influential executive from the West shared a very different vision, suggesting that the player could leave the organization before the end of the season.
With 23 points in 40 games, Evans has exceeded expectations this season. His performance on the penalty kill and his role as a versatile right-handed center, a rarity in the NHL, make him a highly coveted player.
However, further analysis reveals a shot conversion rate of 28.3%, well above the league average and his career average (8.5%). Such a statistic raises doubts about the sustainability of this production.
Renaud Lavoie remains convinced that the Canadiens will extend him, proposing a long-term contract of $3 million per year.
He points out that this sum, although slightly above the usual value of a player of this caliber, would remain manageable thanks to the projected increase in the salary cap.
However, according to a Western leader interviewed by RG.org, this scenario would be unlikely:
“If Montreal doesn’t sign him soon, it’s because they are seriously evaluating their options. Evans could well be traded by the deadline.
His style is highly sought after, and several Western teams are ready to outbid him. »
Under the leadership of Kent Hughes, the Canadiens are engaged in a methodical reconstruction focused on youth development and rigorous management of the payroll.
With this in mind, giving a long and expensive contract to a third or fourth line player like Evans could jeopardize this long-term vision.
The Western leader sums up the situation thus:
“Evans is a great player, but he’s not a player you build a team around. For a franchise like Montreal, in the process of rebuilding, transforming its best season into assets for the future would be a wise strategic decision. »
The Canadiens already have some promising internal solutions to replace Evans. Owen Beck, second round pick in 2022, impresses with the Laval Rocket with his maturity and versatility.
With a similar playing style to Evans, but with more offensive potential, Beck could fill this role on the cheap starting next season.
For his part, Oliver Kapanen, who plays in Sweden, offers an intriguing option for the future thanks to his size, his robustness and his solid defensive game.
With aspiring teams looking for reliable players for the playoffs, Jake Evans’ value is at an all-time high. A professional recruiter told RG.org:
“Outside of Granlund, Evans is probably the most valuable center available right now. A first-round pick could be a possibility if his current pace continues. »
This opportunity could allow the Canadiens to secure crucial assets for their rebuild, such as a first-round pick or a promising young prospect.
Hughes, known for his ability to maximize the value of players in transactions, could consider this avenue to align immediate needs with the organization’s long-term goals.
Renaud Lavoie’s optimistic vision contrasts sharply with that of the leader of the West. According to Lavoie, Evans wants to stay in Montreal, and the Canadiens would share this desire.
However, the lack of concrete discussions at this point in the season, combined with high interest from other teams, lends weight to the idea of an imminent departure.
The dilemma for Kent Hughes is clear:
Extend Evans at a reasonable cost to ensure short-term stability.
Trading him at the peak of his value to obtain assets that will contribute to the team’s long-term vision.
In either case, the decisions made in the coming weeks will have a significant impact on the future of Canadians.
Jake Evans is a player on the rise, but his future in Montreal remains uncertain. While Renaud Lavoie is banking on an extension, the Western leader’s comments suggest that the Canadians could opt for a different strategy.
With young talent like Beck and Kapanen ready to rise, and a rebuild focused on smart resource management, Hughes could decide to turn Evans’ breakout season into a meaningful comeback.
The trade deadline is approaching, and Kent Hughes’ phone may be ringing a lot.
Whether the Canadiens choose to extend or trade Evans, it will be a crucial decision for the present and future of the organization.
During his segment on BPM Sports, Lavoie was categorical: Evans will remain in Montreal with a long-term contract of $3 million per season.
But now these certainties are trembling in the face of the revelations of a major player in the NHL, who maintains that Evans’ future could well be played out far from Montreal.
Renaud Lavoie was not content to speculate: he announced with conviction that a “marriage is coming” between Jake Evans and the Canadian.
According to him, Montreal management had already established a plan to ensure that Evans remained in the organization, despite the rumors.
This strong statement suggested that the Canadiens valued their 28-year-old center enough to offer him an advantageous extension even before the trade deadline.
“I don’t know when, I don’t know the date, but there’s a wedding coming up to make sure Jake stays in the organization.”he said.
If we were Kent Hughes, we’d trade Evans tomorrow morning.
The Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild, and extending Evans at a price above his perceived value could contradict their strategy focused on prudent payroll management and developing young talent.
Never mind the playoff race.
By publicly announcing an imminent extension, Renaud Lavoie took a risk. If the Canadiens ultimately decide to get rid of Evans, this about-face could weaken his credibility with NHL fans and observers.
Lavoie has banked on Montreal’s loyalty to a player they have developed since his draft in the 7th round in 2014, but the Canadiens could surprise.
Kent Hughes is unpredictable.
Meanwhile, Kent Hughes is under pressure to maximize Jake Evans’ value, whether by extending his contract at a reasonable price or selling him off to the highest bidder.
With teams like the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Wild and several Western teams ready to overpay for a 4th line player. Hughes has the opportunity to turn Evans’ breakout season into a meaningful comeback, as a first-round draft pick or a promising young prospect.
How to say no?
