What's the max you'd give to Evans?

[CHfan1]

It's 2 years rebuilding, unless 2 major pieces come here : a true established 1C or 2nd C.
And a true 1 or 2 goalie. And maybe a gritty 3rd line center. In 3 years Habs should resolve the problem of C depth, in 3 years Evans will be 30 and not sure if he will be the type we want when our window Cup Running will open. My envision is transition years and I think it's time to trade or sign an ufa center. Beck will soon be nhl ready.

In 3-4 years Evans is a depth option at centre in the best case scenario. He can play wing, PK, and centre in case of injuries.

But next season without Evans (and assuming Montreal moves on from Dvorak (which they should)) the only veteran full-time centre they have is Suzuki (and maybe Dach but he’s got a long ways to go). I really don’t think it’s wise to go into the off-season with that scenario. If they move on from Evans (due to too much term or AAV) I hope they make a move before July 1st. I hope the plan isn’t to have Beck and Kapanen as the 3rd and 4th line centres next season, like I’ve seen in some posters roster projections. I think it’s fine to have one but they should have a veteran as the other centre.

Also, like most years, there isn’t many good UFA options, and, like most years, teams will have to over pay on both term and AAV to get an UFA centre.

I’m also not convinced they’ll solve their problem at centre in 3 years at this point.

 

[GrandBison]

In 3-4 years Evans is a depth option at centre in the best case scenario. He can play wing, PK, and centre in case of injuries.

But next season without Evans (and assuming Montreal moves on from Dvorak (which they should)) the only veteran full-time centre they have is Suzuki (and maybe Dach but he’s got a long ways to go). I really don’t think it’s wise to go into the off-season with that scenario. If they move on from Evans (due to too much term or AAV) I hope they make a move before July 1st. I hope the plan isn’t to have Beck and Kapanen as the 3rd and 4th line centres next season, like I’ve seen in some posters roster projections. I think it’s fine to have one but they should have a veteran as the other centre.

Also, like most years, there isn’t many good UFA options, and, like most years, teams will have to over pay on both term and AAV to get an UFA centre.

I’m also not convinced they’ll solve their problem at centre in 3 years at this point.

All of you guys shit on Bergevin for long contracts to bottom liners... Newhook is a 3rd line center, Let's find some top talent before re-signing 4th liners

 

[CHfan1]

All of you guys shit on Bergevin for long contracts to bottom liners... Newhook is a 3rd line center, Let's find some top talent before re-signing 4th line

The problem with Bergevin is he signed or traded for multiple players who were going to play in the bottom 6, especially later in their careers. This included Gallagher, Anderson, Armia, Dvorak, and Hoffman, with only of those being a centre. I’m fine signing one bottom 6 centre longer term to give Montreal some more depth at an area I would consider a weakness, especially since there isn’t a long of good options out there like the UFA market. I also am not sure Newhook is the solution at centre on the 3rd/4th lines or on the PK.

Also, signing Evans to a 4 year $4 million AAV contract doesn’t preclude them from signing or trading for top line players. They have the cap space going into the next few seasons.

 

[GrandBison]

The problem with Bergevin is he signed or traded for multiple players who were going to play in the bottom 6, especially later in their careers. This included Gallagher, Anderson, Armia, Dvorak, and Hoffman, with only of those being a centre. I’m fine signing one bottom 6 centre longer term to give Montreal some more depth at an area I would consider a weakness, especially since there isn’t a long of good options out there like the UFA market. I also am not sure Newhook is the solution at centre on the 3rd/4th lines or on the PK.

Also, signing Evans to a 4 year $4 million AAV contract doesn’t preclude them from signing or trading for top line players. They have the cap space going into the next few seasons.

The problem right now is Dach, and it won't be resolved by signing Evans.

 

[CHfan1]

The problem right now is Dach, and it won't be resolved by signing Evans.

The second line centre is definitely a problem in the future. We’ll see if Dach can play better in the 2nd half of the season after recovering from an injury it takes a lot of athletes a full season to get back to playing like normal. He certainly has a long ways to go.

But signing Evans wouldn’t be to solve that position, it would be to add depth down the middle (in the bottom 6) where I believe it’s a position of weakness in the next couple of seasons, and, also, to help the PK (I think he’s been Montreal’s best forward at PK this season).

I just don’t think Montreal should go into the offseason with their bottom two centres next season being, 2 of the 3, of Newhook, Beck, and/or Kapanen. I think they need veteran help there whether that’s Evans or someone else.

 

[viceroy]

With the cap, expected, to go steadily up and 4 of their top players already locked up long term, I think it’s less of a risk.

Like others have said don't expect the Cap to keep going up. If CDN hits <60 cents USDN... WPG and OTT might go and the Cap may sit still.

If you think Beck is gonna what Evans brings next year, you will be disappointed

Why? He's gangbusters in the A and all were expecting him to do is hold down the fort on the 4th line.

Neither Kapanen nor Hage should be playing in the NHL next season.

I think he'd be fine on the 4th with Beck and Heineman. Having 2 young C's sharing responsibilities there could work out.

Savard.
Matheson.
Anderson.

We needed Savard to steady our plethora of young LD's. Matheson is also part of the leadership group, he may have his brain cramps but those 2 guys are hardworking and beloved by the kids. Anderson may indeed have best been traded 2yrs ago but we were lacking size so it's understandable that we held on to him. Anywho he's been solid this season.

You could sign any vet in the offseason for ‘locker room’ presence.

Strongly disagree. EDM used to sign vets back in the Hall, Eberle days for locker room presence. Never worked out.

They’d have enough room with Evans at $4 million and Hutson at $8 million in 2026-27. With the cap going up around 5% per year, the cap would be at around $97 million in 2026-27.

Once again don't be surprised if the 26-27 Cap stays at 92.5mil.

4 years @ $3,876,549.97

Not a penny more. Will hurt our cap structure.

Sure but Would you consider 3.5 years at 4?

*cough*

This thread demonstrates what is wrong with the NHL. How can Canadian teams compete when our economy is more socialist that the United Statians?

We spend our money on Health and Welfare they spend it on the Industrial Military Complex. It evens out I guess.

Yes if I’m Evans, I’m definitely testing the market after having a year like this season. It’s his best opportunity to cash out

Can't blame him. This is his one big contract. Him and his family are gonna have to live off of this for the next 50 years.

This happens to every depth player who is still in their prime here.

Then somehow we overpay ones from other teams like moen or prust.

You know Moen and Prust were pretty good over here in their first 2 years.

...and for our 4th line center i rather have a bigger physical body

Strongly agree. I've always wanted some physicality from our bottom lines.

If we trade Evans it's a late 1st for sure. In and of itself that actually isn't worth much at this point, it's a 1 in 5 chance at getting a top 6 player. However, if that gives us 3 1sts in 2025 then we could bundle up a couple and do a Hage, or even all 3 and go for the highest quality asset we can get. Geez, if we get a 1st for Savard we could have 4 1sts this year. Lots of ammo for a 2C or top RHD, along with a couple players we could offer up.

Who knows what we could get for 3-4 1st rounders? Maybe a Dylan Cozens?

And where not sure Hage is gonna be a center if he makes the league

Why wouldn't he? He has decent size and he's excellent in the NCAA. He's got good hockey IQ.

I'm not counting Laine, although his presence has been impactful, it has also been limited. Can't even say if he'll be there next season. And lately, has become a circus act.

Circus act? The guy spoke truthfully about a trainwreck franchise. You want a real circus act? Check out Vancouver with Miller, Petterson and what happened to Horvat.

If Evans is traded then Dvorak at one or two years at something like 800K is perfectly fine.

Nope. I know Caufield would love his drinking buddy to stay but that cat has more than overstayed his welcome. He's also a bad influence by being a bare minimum effort kinda guy.

 

[digmor crusher]

He's a very good 4th liner center and should be paid as one, so 3m max for 4 years.

 

[Miller Time]

As he continues to extend his career best level play through his 28 year old season, I'm more and more inclined to believe the Habs will extend him...

4-5 years at Dvorak's salary would be hard to argue against considering his versatility and utilization.

Given his career trajectory and style of play, I wouldn't be worried about much decline in his 29-34 year old stretch... If anything, with his work ethic and diligence, he may well manage to keep improving his offensive production as his confidence in that part of his game grows. That shorty today was a goal scorers goal the way he adjusted his body to open up his angle and load his release... He didn't have those kinds of subtle adjustments in his tool box in his first few seasons. I think the environment the Habs are creating in training & player development is exactly the fit for guys like Evans who are hungry to learn and willing to put in he long term work to continuously refine their game.

If they do extend him, I fully expect some around here to falsely equate the $ & term to the Gally deal... Unlike then, we've got good reason to believe that the decision will be made about what they expect him to contribute going forward rather than rewarding him for what he's done previously...

 

[RC51]

ok first Evans is at his highest value ever. even if the habs would like to keep him after today someone will offer a deal so good you cant refuse. Evens is now the best 3rd or 4th line centre in the league. he is number ONE. anybody close to the top and wants the cup this year will overpay right now to get Evans. Savard will go also. no points but he is all about defence

 

[tnq]

I would give him Dvorak's liked contract and keep Armia with him. Armia Evans Heinmen is our new shut down

 

[JianYang]

As he continues to extend his career best level play through his 28 year old season, I'm more and more inclined to believe the Habs will extend him...

4-5 years at Dvorak's salary would be hard to argue against considering his versatility and utilization.

Given his career trajectory and style of play, I wouldn't be worried about much decline in his 29-34 year old stretch... If anything, with his work ethic and diligence, he may well manage to keep improving his offensive production as his confidence in that part of his game grows. That shorty today was a goal scorers goal the way he adjusted his body to open up his angle and load his release... He didn't have those kinds of subtle adjustments in his tool box in his first few seasons. I think the environment the Habs are creating in training & player development is exactly the fit for guys like Evans who are hungry to learn and willing to put in he long term work to continuously refine their game.

If they do extend him, I fully expect some around here to falsely equate the $ & term to the Gally deal... Unlike then, we've got good reason to believe that the decision will be made about what they expect him to contribute going forward rather than rewarding him for what he's done previously...

In a non-cap world, there's no doubt I want him back. The habs just can't plant Beck there next year and expect smooth sailing. The youngsters do need to be insulated especially in a such a critical position like center.

I do worry about his durability though and allocating those kinds of cap dollars to these types of players.

 

[Miller Time]

ok first Evans is at his highest value ever. even if the habs would like to keep him after today someone will offer a deal so good you cant refuse. Evens is now the best 3rd or 4th line centre in the league. he is number ONE. anybody close to the top and wants the cup this year will overpay right now to get Evans. Savard will go also. no points but he is all about defence

As unlikely as it would be, best case scenario would be to trade him on deadline day, get a crazy ransom price for him, then sign him back in the offseason.

In a non-cap world, there's no doubt I want him back. The habs just can't plant Beck there next year and expect smooth sailing. The youngsters do need to be insulated especially in a such a critical position like center.

Agree fully.

I do worry about his durability though and allocating those kinds of cap dollars to these types of players.

Thing is, that'll be a concern for any vet we sign to bolster C depth next summer to replace Dvorak & Evans.

Short of trading for a middle 6 C upgrade already on contract, we're going to have to pay UFA premium one way or another. I can see them putting a premium on the "known" aspects of Evans as a player on & off the ice. His work ethic and resilience are as good as anyone, which are the best mitigating variables against injuries that a team can get.

 

[japhi27returns]

He have a gazillion picks and prospects, will have good cap flexibility, and our position most at risk over the next 2-4 years is C. Mgm’t wants to turn the corner - they aren’t going Dach, Beck, AHL lifer down the middle.

So letting go of Evans means replacing him right away. Makes no sense to give up assets plus cap to bring in someone that might be as good as Evans - or as poor as Dach and Dvorak are this year.

He is going to get 4x5 or similar and his role and position is critical - as much as people say just replace him, find me multiple deals for sub 5mm 2 way C’s, 30 point C’s. They will pay him.

 

[Draft]

As he continues to extend his career best level play through his 28 year old season, I'm more and more inclined to believe the Habs will extend him...

4-5 years at Dvorak's salary would be hard to argue against considering his versatility and utilization.

Given his career trajectory and style of play, I wouldn't be worried about much decline in his 29-34 year old stretch... If anything, with his work ethic and diligence, he may well manage to keep improving his offensive production as his confidence in that part of his game grows. That shorty today was a goal scorers goal the way he adjusted his body to open up his angle and load his release... He didn't have those kinds of subtle adjustments in his tool box in his first few seasons. I think the environment the Habs are creating in training & player development is exactly the fit for guys like Evans who are hungry to learn and willing to put in he long term work to continuously refine their game.

If they do extend him, I fully expect some around here to falsely equate the $ & term to the Gally deal... Unlike then, we've got good reason to believe that the decision will be made about what they expect him to contribute going forward rather than rewarding him for what he's done previously...

You’re willing to give a guy shooting at nearly 30% in a contract year at 28 years old a long-term 4.5mil contract? That’s a tough one for me. The rest of his career he’s been a 30pt, 4th line player. If we saw another team doing this, we’d be laughing.

Given how much he relies on quickness and how long it took him to improve that part of his game, age could definitely play a role for him declining earlier.

If we think he’s going to continue to shoot at 30% for the length of his contract and get 16mins a night, then by all means, pay him middle-6 money. If we think he’ll correct to his career average shooting percentage, the improvements to his game put him at .5PPG rather than .4PPG, and he finds a role in the bottom-6… that’s a wildly irresponsible way to manage the cap with guys like Beck and Kapanen knocking on the door.

 

[Rapala]

Evans agent is hearing cha ching cha ching cha ching as his totals mount.
They mentioned on the broadcast Sam Bennett is also having a career year with his contract expiring.

Coincidence right?

 

[Monsieur Miz]

Evans agent is hearing cha ching cha ching cha ching as his totals mount.
They mentioned on the broadcast Sam Bennett is also having a career year with his contract expiring.

Coincidence right?

Bennett wants that Nazem Kadri money.

 

[Andrei79]

Evans agent is hearing cha ching cha ching cha ching as his totals mount.
They mentioned on the broadcast Sam Bennett is also having a career year with his contract expiring.

Coincidence right?

I'll take either Bennett or Evans. Evans we know is a good fit, Bennet I'm sure he would.

The issue with Bennett is I could see a team give him something ridiculous like 7M.

 

[Draft]

In a non-cap world, there's no doubt I want him back. The habs just can't plant Beck there next year and expect smooth sailing. The youngsters do need to be insulated especially in a such a critical position like center.

I do worry about his durability though and allocating those kinds of cap dollars to these types of players.

Playing Beck/Kapanen at 3C with two strong veteran wingers would be about as ideal of an insulating scenario as we could hope for barring the acquisition of a strong 2C to take more matchups (which Evans absolutely isn’t).

If Dach isn’t a fit at 2C, Evans at 3-5mil is going to play there and we’re going to continue to be ass - we have enough evidence of what we look like with Evans at 2C. If Dach does fit at 2C, then we’re relegating Beck and Kapanen to 10mins a night on the 4th line or paying Evans big money to be our 4C.

I can live with Evans at 3mil. I’m expecting another team will be interested in paying him more. This team isn’t in a position to overpay a bottom-6 player.

 

[CristianoRonaldo]

All of you guys shit on Bergevin for long contracts to bottom liners... Newhook is a 3rd line center, Let's find some top talent before re-signing 4th liners

If Evans is a 4th liner, Newhook is an AHLer. Newhook is not a center, since he can't defend or win a face-off.

Without Evans, the Habs collapse defensively, Suzuki needs some help.

 

[CristianoRonaldo]

Eller was playing 3C his entire career up to that point vs Evans slotted at 4C other than fill in for Dach as 2C which was always viewed as temp

Evans plays around 16:00/game on average, that's similar to Eller, through his whole career.

 

[JianYang]

Playing Beck/Kapanen at 3C with two strong veteran wingers would be about as ideal of an insulating scenario as we could hope for barring the acquisition of a strong 2C to take more matchups (which Evans absolutely isn’t).

If Dach isn’t a fit at 2C, Evans at 3-5mil is going to play there and we’re going to continue to be ass - we have enough evidence of what we look like with Evans at 2C. If Dach does fit at 2C, then we’re relegating Beck and Kapanen to 10mins a night on the 4th line or paying Evans big money to be our 4C.

I can live with Evans at 3mil. I’m expecting another team will be interested in paying him more. This team isn’t in a position to overpay a bottom-6 player.

That's the difficulty. You can put responsible veterans with the rookie but center ice is still center ice which inherently comes with alot of responsibility on both sides. The wingers can only do so much.

The right call isn't clear in this case but if Evans keeps going the way he is, 3 mil will certainly not cut it.

 

[417]

If Evans is traded then Dvorak at one or two years at something like 800K is perfectly fine. It's not plan A, but it's also not insane/crazy to consider. The Dvorak, Anderson, Gallagher line has been pretty good, if they continue to produce like they have then it's not a big issue and it's decent insurance.

If Evans is re-signed then yeah no chance of Dvorak also being re-signed.

800K!?!?!

 

[Andrei79]

If Evans is a 4th liner, Newhook is an AHLer. Newhook is not a center, since he can't defend or win a face-off.

Without Evans, the Habs collapse defensively, Suzuki needs some help.

Which means he's not a fourth liner.

 

[SwiftyHab]

Give this man whatever he wants

 

[waitin425]

Give this man whatever he wants