The scene was revealing.
After a match where Jake Evans once again shined in his role as a key defensive player, a journalist asked him about the state of discussions regarding his future in Montreal.
The response, accompanied by an expression that spoke volumes: “Still crickets. »
No discussion. Nothing. Silence, at this point in the season, speaks louder than any official statement.
His withdrawn face said it all. Jake Evans is angry about the lack of negotiations for his contract.
Evans, at 28, is having the best season of his career. His 19 points in 33 games, his dominance on the penalty kill and his constant impact on special teams are indisputable arguments for a contract extension.
But the problem is obvious: Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton know this season might be the exception, not the norm.
If the Canadians have not yet come forward to discuss an extension, it is no coincidence. Hughes knows that Evans' excellent performance this season, combined with his crucial role on special teams, makes him a highly sought-after piece on the trade market.
With an efficiency of 82.4% on the penalty kill, the CH ranks in the top 10 in the NHL, and Evans is the cornerstone of this success.
But Hughes also knows that to keep Evans, he will likely have to overpay for a player whose offensive production remains moderate in the long term.
With a current contract of $1.7 million per year that expires at the end of the season, Evans will likely ask for a significant raise. His agent could target a 4 to 5 year contract at around $3.5 to $4 million per season, an amount that represents a risky bet for a player with limited offensive ceiling.
Additionally, market pressure is increasing, with several teams showing increasing interest in its services.
Among the contenders, the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild stand out.
The Kings, with their ambition to solidify their depth at center, see in Evans a player capable of stabilizing their special teams and playing a crucial role on the third or fourth line.
His compatibility with their structure focused on puck possession and defensive play makes him an ideal target.
The Devils, looking for a reliable defensive center to balance their lineup, also have Evans in their sights.
Their urgent need to strengthen their penalty kill could push their general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, to make an aggressive offer.
The Wild, victim of key injuries like that of Joel Eriksson Ek, see Evans as an immediate solution to compensate for the absence of their number one center.
With fierce competition in the Central Division, the Wild could fall into the trap of bidding for his services.
For Hughes, the question is strategic. Extending Evans would mean stabilizing the bottom-six center for years to come, but it would risk overloading the payroll for a player whose best years could be behind him after this exceptional season.
On the other hand, trading Evans now, when his value is at its peak, would maximize the return and bolster the team's future with draft picks or promising young talent.
Some say Evans could cost a 1st round pick. The problem is that only the Kings have a 1st round pick, while the Devils and Wild don't have one.
The New Jersey Devils, with their talented but unbalanced roster, see Jake Evans as an immediate solution to their shorthanded woes.
The name of Dawson Mercer begins to circulate in Montreal.
His measly 16 points (7 goals) in 36 games this season prove a frustrating year. Stuck on the third line on the right, a position that is unnatural for him, he has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his limited role and lack of ice time.
His disappointing performance as center, his preferred position, could push the Devils to consider selling him.
A trade involving Mercer and Evans would make sense. The Canadiens would get a young player with untapped potential, while the Devils would immediately strengthen their depth at center and special teams.
The Minnesota Wild, for their part, are looking for stability at center, especially with the fragile Joel Eriksson Ek. Jake Evans, with his impeccable defensive play and ability to play in all situations, represents a perfect solution.
But to obtain his services, the Wild will have to offer a return that attracts the attention of Kent Hughes, especially without a 1st round pick.
The name Danila Yurov often comes up in discussions. Yurov, one of the Wild's hottest prospects, shattered KHL records last season, even surpassing Vladimir Tarasenko for points by a player under the age of 21.
However, his decision to extend his stay in Russia for another year has raised concerns among the Wild.
For Montreal, Yurov would be an ideal acquisition as part of their rebuild, adding an elite-caliber offensive right winger to their prospect pool.
But the Wild might be hesitant to sacrifice a player of that caliber, even for one as reliable as Jake Evans.
With the Devils, Kings and Wild interested, there could be a competition to get Evans. This could work in the Canadiens' favor, increasing their player's value on the market.
Evans, for his part, remains faithful to his discreet but effective style.
Yet his face betrayed a certain disappointment when answering questions about the lack of contract discussions.
After being drafted 207th overall in 2014, patiently developed by the organization, and finally reaching the maturity of his game, it seems logical that he was hoping for more recognition from the Canadian.
But the NHL is a business above all, and Hughes knows it. If a team like the Kings offers a 1st round pick, the CH will have to seriously consider this option.
Jake Evans, with his impeccable work ethic and exceptional performances this season, represents both an asset and a dilemma for the Montreal Canadiens.
His future, whether in Montreal or elsewhere, will depend on the ability of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton to weigh the present against the future.
The silence around his contract extension, although frustrating for Evans, is a sign that CH management is carefully evaluating all options.
Whether he stays or leaves, Jake Evans will have left his mark on the organization with his dedication and his work in the shadows.
For Montreal, the challenge will be to transform this value into a significant gain, whether it is a stable presence at the center for the years to come with a long-term contract or an overestimated value on the transaction market. in case of exchange.
In our opinion, Evans should be traded instead of overpaying for him.
Never a good idea to give too much money to defensive players.
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