Player Discussion Jake Evans (Part II)

[The Great Weal]

I don't think he plays another game as a Hab

 

[dcyhabs]

I don't think it is impossible Evans re-signs, but I think it is much less likely with the team not winning. He may like playing in Montreal, but he's not going to win this year or next, and he may be able to get more as an FA. Trading him at the deadline could be doubly good, if no one matches Hughes' offer and he signs back in the offseason.

I'm not sure Evans is a fit in Montreal, anyway. He can fill in as a top 6, but he's not a player who is going to help you win on the second line long term. He's good defensively, and he can chip in, especially playing higher in the lineup, but he's yet another pretty good and not very physical player. If the team were built differently it would be essential to bring him back, or if he were a little bigger and nastier.

The team needs to get bigger and meaner, especially if they let guys like Armia go. There is not much leeway to do that in the top 6, you have to hope Dach and Slaf get sturdier, but there should be bottom 6 options. It's not that I don't like Evans, it's that I think he has way more value to a team with a big, slow, bottom 6, than to the habs. It will be worth it for another team to pay what he wants, while it would make more sense for the habs to go out and sign a lower value player or two who won't put up the points but will make some hits.

I'd be curious to see the fit next year, though, he could play defense with Beck, or dig pucks for whoever is the odd man out of the top 6.

 

[yianik]

Playing Hockey’s Doctor Love: 2025 Trade Deadline Matchmaker

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we test out romantic connections for some buyer and seller teams.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

Jake Evans: Toronto Maple Leafs

Who swipes left?

To Toronto: Jake Evans

To Montréal: 2025 FLA 2nd Round Pick, Roni Hirvonen

This feels unholy completing a deal between the Leafs and Habs, but it wasn’t that long ago that Montréal sent another third-line center to Toronto (Tomas Plekanec) at the deadline in 2018. It doesn’t sound the Canadiens are on a path to getting an extension done with Evans, who is now more likely to move than not. The biggest motivator here is fit as the Leafs look to reinvent their third line. GM Brad Treliving has been very clear that he wants a defensively responsible player – and Evans has been playing that role on Marty St. Louis’ shutdown line with Emil Heineman and Joel Armia. Their numbers were very impressive as Montréal played their best hockey of the year before Heineman was randomly hit by a car as a pedestrian in Salt Lake City, knocking him out of the lineup. Evans is also on pace for a career high 16 goals, so he can chip in offense. He has played in three Stanley Cup Final games, so he won’t be overwhelmed by the moment. Plus, he’s a Toronto kid, so there is definite re-signing potential that makes this late second-round pick a worthy expedition. From the Canadiens’ perspective, if Evans isn’t coming back, they’ll want to maximize value. They had a mid-second round pick on the table for Evans at last June’s Draft; this isn’t that, being a Florida pick, but maybe a flier on another Finnish forward who was a second-rounder in 2020 will be enough.

So a late 2nd as the prospect is awful. No.

 

[HuGort]

So a late 2nd as the prospect is awful. No.

Late 2nd alone isn't much. At least I would ask for top AHLer also. Laval has serious chance at Calder Cup. Good for development of guys like Reinbacher, Xhekaj, Davidson, among others. Beck be here to stay if Evans traded

 

[Twisted Sinister]

I hope Jake Evans and his agent are affected by the Sam Steel contract. Two years st AAV of $2.1M. Okay Evans is better and Im thinking Steel wanted to stay there, but 3-4 years at $3M-$3.5M seems good.

People always seem to fall in love with the players on a terrible team. If we ever want to become better, we need upgrades on guys like Evans. Where does Evans fit on the bottom six of the version of this team that wins the cup?

Is Florian there? Is Tuch there? Is Beck there? Is Thorpe there? Heineman? Guys with size and jam?

Maximize the value for Evans now while he's been playing above his talent level for a contract. Penalty killers will always be available on the market if we need them later.

 

[yianik]

People always seem to fall in love with the players on a terrible team. If we ever want to become better, we need upgrades on guys like Evans. Where does Evans fit on the bottom six of the version of this team that wins the cup?

Is Florian there? Is Tuch there? Is Beck there? Is Thorpe there? Heineman? Guys with size and jam?

Maximize the value for Evans now while he's been playing above his talent level for a contract. Penalty killers will always be available on the market if we need them later.

Beck is the only guy you mention that is a C. If Evans wasnt a C he wouldnt be getting that much discussion. And we are short on Cs right now.

 

[Twisted Sinister]

Beck is the only guy you mention that is a C. If Evans wasnt a C he wouldnt be getting that much discussion. And we are short on Cs right now.

Florian is playing C
Hage is in the system.

At best, we need a guaranteed 2C, not a bottom 6. Worst comes to worst, you really think we can't find a 4C in 3 years if we're missing one?

 

[Tyson]

Beck is the only guy you mention that is a C. If Evans wasnt a C he wouldnt be getting that much discussion. And we are short on Cs right now.

Every shift Florian Xhekaj has played in Laval this season has been at center. In fact he is excelling, kills penalties and shows surprising skills. He may become only a 4th line center but that would be ok. The kid has beast upside. Don't underestimate him.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Every shift Florian Xhekaj has played in Laval this season has been at center. In fact he is excelling, kills penalties and shows surprising skills. He may become only a 4th line center but that would be ok. The kid has beast upside. Don't underestimate him.

...and we all know Two Jackeyes are better than one...

 

[yianik]

Every shift Florian Xhekaj has played in Laval this season has been at center. In fact he is excelling, kills penalties and shows surprising skills. He may become only a 4th line center but that would be ok. The kid has beast upside. Don't underestimate him.

I spoke out of ignorance then, but that is the kind of thing I love to be corrected on. I have hopes that a guy or two of our big, tough forward prospects can make it. And 4th line is no problem. A big, physical 4th line with decent skating and a bit of skill would be a very valuable line to have. Great news on Florian. The Xhekajs can deal with those Tkachuks ( I know, different teams , for now)..

 

[Tyson]

I spoke out of ignorance then, but that is the kind of thing I love to be corrected on. I have hopes that a guy or two of our big, tough forward prospects can make it. And 4th line is no problem. A big, physical 4th line with decent skating and a bit of skill would be a very valuable line to have. Great news on Florian. The Xhekajs can deal with those Tkachuks ( I know, different teams , for now)..

Imagine Florian Xhekaj become an Adam Lowry type. Lowry is a 3rd liner but imagine a 4th line version of this player. I watch many Laval games and the improvements he has made throughout the season have been impressive.