A story that went unnoticed today could significantly affect Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens. The Vegas Golden Knights, the upcoming opponents of Martin St-Louis’ team, announced the signing of forward Brett Howden earlier today.
The contract is for five years and totals $12.5 million, averaging $2.5 million per year.
This deal could play a pivotal role in the negotiations for Jake Evans, who will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer. While Howden is a relevant benchmark for Evans, the Canadiens’ forward is likely slightly superior, suggesting he may command more than $2.5 million annually.
Howden, 26, has scored 9 points in 20 games this season and had 19 points in 72 games last year, sporting a plus/minus of -13.
Over the past three years, he has averaged 27 points per 82 games.
Evans, 28, has amassed 10 points in 19 games this season, and last year he achieved 28 points in 82 games, with a plus/minus of -2.
In the last three years, he has averaged 30 points per 82 games.
This suggests that both players are quite similar, with Evans seemingly having the advantage.
