The job of Managing Director of a professional team is an ongoing one. Kent Hughes must always be alert to what is happening in the NHL and the needs of his team in order to build the best possible training.
A less pleasant aspect of his job is deciding whether to let certain players go, especially when young prospects are ready for a job at the big club.
Players like David Savard, Joel Armia et Christian Dvorak could all be traded before the trade deadline in order to maximize their value, but also make room for other players.
On the other hand, a reconstruction does not mean having only young people in the team. We have to maintain a balance and make sure we have good veterans.
A player who will make the Canadiens' GM think is Jake Evans. Over the years, it has carved out a role for itself as a 4th luxury center. He is a responsible player on both ends of the ice, he excels on the penalty kill and he collects his 25-30 points.
This season, he is particularly impressive and in 33 games, he already has 19 points!
At 28, he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer and on Hughes' side, we will have to think about whether we keep him in Montreal for several more seasons.
If the GM intends to offer him a contract extension, for the moment he is calm. Indeed, as reported by Eric EngelsEvans admitted in an interview that it's radio silence at the moment.
Jake Evans, when asked about contract negotiations, said: “Always crickets.”
We have to believe that this could soon change.
Even with the arrival of promising young centers, his role is typically filled by a veteran, and his value to the Canadiens is obvious.
One thing is certain, it's going to take more than a two-year contract to keep Evans in Montreal. if he continues his good season, he knows very well that he could get 4-5 years on the open market.
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