Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Insider Frank Seravalli reveals past failed trade between Capitals and Canadiens

Originally posted on Habs Fanatics | By Elias Edmonson | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 11:34 AM ET

The recent success of the Montreal Canadiens is drastically changing the game regarding Kent Hughes' plan ahead of the trade deadline. Now, the question is whether he will keep his veterans, who will become unrestricted free agents this summer, to give the team a chance to stay in the mix for the playoffs.

In a recent interview on "The Sick Podcast," the Montreal Canadiens' executive vice president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton, stated that the plan remains to follow the one already established by management.

However, he is open to rewarding players who are playing excellent hockey.

"You won't see us trading young players," Gorton said. "If there's an opportunity to help these guys, they've earned it."

Nothing was mentioned, however, regarding the veterans approaching free agency.

Jake Evans is sure to attract attention

One of the Montreal Canadiens veterans currently drawing significant attention around the NHL is undoubtedly Jake Evans. He has stood out with a red-hot start to the season.

Wearing No. 71, he is playing excellent hockey, and his coach always knows what to expect when sending him onto the ice.

That is a rare quality in a player, and it's why several teams will show interest in him over the coming weeks — especially considering he is in the final year of his contract, which carries a modest $1.7 million cap hit.

Even though he has slowed down a bit recently, like most of his teammates, to be fair, Evans remains a bargain in today's NHL.

It's no surprise that multiple teams will inquire about him in the coming weeks, if they haven't already.

Frank Seravalli links the Canadiens center to several teams

In a recent column for Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli linked Jake Evans to the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.

He even reported that one of these teams, the Capitals, has had its eye on the young veteran for a while.

Seravalli says that Washington was the team that offered a second-round pick for Evans at the last draft.

Seravalli wrote: "Believe the Caps were the team that tried to acquire Evans last summer at the Draft in exchange for a second-round pick, and that makes some sense. They’ve tried to fill that 3C role this year with Lars Eller, but Evans would be a better fit."

It will be interesting to see what the Canadiens management decides to do in this situation, as they still have until March 7 to negotiate a contract extension with the forward.

According to what Renaud Lavoie recently mentioned on BPM Sports, the Canadiens would have to offer Evans a very long-term contract, which could tip the scales toward a trade.

"In Jake Evans' case, I think it's pretty clear he's asking for a five-year contract."

A big story to follow here.

This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

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