This season, the most reliable center for the Canadiens isn’t Nick Suzuki, but Jake Evans. Beyond talent, number 71 is demonstrating solid performance, and his coach consistently knows what to expect when he plays.
It’s therefore no surprise that several teams are likely to show interest in him in the coming weeks, particularly since he’s in the final year of his $1.7 million contract.
It’s worth mentioning that these insights come from journalists and analysts, not mere rumors.
Kent Hughes, the GM, is beginning to receive some criticism regarding his trades since taking office. Recent evaluations suggest that his success rate may not be as high as initially thought, particularly in relation to trades involving Lehkonen (for Barron), Toffoli (for Emil Heineman, Tyler Pitlick, and Mesar), and Romanov (for Kirby Dach).
Caution is crucial here. I believe Hughes needs to tread carefully with this situation. Losing a player like Evans, who is proving to be valuable, could lead to regrettable consequences as the team might have to find a similar player in the future.
While being cautious is important, Hughes should also consider any offer that meets his criteria. This careful approach should extend to other players potentially leaving the team, such as Matheson, Savard, and possibly Armia and Dvorak.
Given the team’s pressing need for leadership and veteran presence, trading these players could pose significant risks.
