Hughes is in a tough spot.
The team is winning and close to a playoff spot, and they probably deserve to have a shot at trying to make it… certainly Molson, the team themselves and many fans would prefer they made it to the big dance.
But, if we’re being realistic here, ultimately what helps the team more in the short and long term, playoffs now, or dealing your soon to be UFAs to acquire some assets?
The Habs are nowhere close to being a cup contender, so I’d see what the market looked like.
Trading: Jake Evans doesn’t have a deal in place, and he’s an upcoming UFA looking to cash in on what has been an outlier season. He’s been terrific defensively, in the dot and killing penalties. He has scored some timely goals as well, and has great speed. If you package him with Armia, who also has great size, is good defensively and a terrific penalty killer, what can you get? If it’s a first rounder, I say you have to pull the trigger. We know that several teams are rumoured to be circling on Evans - Leafs, Devils, Kings and Capitals, have all been linked to Evans.
Which one wants him the most? And what can be squeezed out of that team? Could the Habs somehow land a young right hand shot defender if more pieces were added?
Savard I think you keep, unless someone offers a third or more.
Not much left after those players that’s available for a trade.