Sportsnet Analyst Connects Maple Leafs and Canadiens as Potential Trade Partners
Sportsnet's Luke Fox has linked Montreal Canadiens Forward Jake Evans to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It's not too often you see the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens do business with each other, with the most recent trade being in 2018 when Montreal traded long-time forward Tomas Plekanec to Toronto to give him a chance at a Cup.
But desperate times call for desperate measures, and with the Maple Leafs needing forward depth and hurting badly for a proper center, and Montreal struggling again; could the two come together to make a trade? Sportsnet's Luke Fox certainly thinks so.
Fox mentions a slew of other centers Toronto could acquire as a rental in order to help with their injuries and depth. We've touched on a few of the names already, but one surprise came when he mentioned Montreal's Jake Evans.
Who Is Jake Evans?
Evans, a 7th round pick of the Canadiens in 2014, has taken a few years to gather himself but has slowly turned into one of the more dependable Canadiens players.
Enjoying a decent season with the struggling Canadiens, having four goals and 10 points so far.
Not typically an offensive dynamo, Evans does have a great eye for playmaking, and would no doubt improve Toronto's bottom half.
It would also be a homecoming for Evans, who was born in Toronto. He has a bad habit of scoring against his hometown squad, so no doubt Toronto would love to have him on their team instead.
For his career, he only has 102 points in 287 games but he could absolutely break out if given a chance alongside Toronto's youth like Fraser Minten or Nikita Grebenkin.
Does Jake Evans Fit With Craig Berube and the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Yes, and not just because it's a homecoming. The Maple Leafs desperately need a strong faceoff guy and Evans fits the bill.
A career 51% faceoff percentage while taking a lot of draws on the penalty kill.
He doesn't take dumb penalties and doesn't give the puck away too often.
On a line with Max Pacioretty and Max Domi, he could help them ignite their offense.
Jake Evans has 2/3C potential and is still only 28, just getting into his prime.
Here is a potential lineup if all parties are healthy:
Knies -- Matthews -- Nylander
McMann -- Tavares -- Marner
Pacioretty -- Evans -- Domi
Lorentz -- Kampf -- Reaves
You'll notice some names missing, and Toronto has to sacrifice some pieces in order to get what they need.
No doubt Nick Robertson could be involved, and there's a strong chance either David Kampf or Pontus Holmberg are chosen instead.
Holmberg and a 4th round pick could be enough to satisfy Kent Hughes.
Jake Evans is only worth $1.7M and for a cheap third-line center with great penalty killing and decent offense?
Pretty solid bargain.
FAQ: Toronto Maple Leafs Linked To Montreal Canadiens' Jake Evans
Q1: Is Jake Evans a good fit for Toronto?
A1: Yes, even if he isn't the flashiest name. Evans provides a knack for winning faceoffs, and kill penalties, and he certainly adds more scoring potential than Nick Robertson or any of the other misfits Toronto puts out. It's a weird fit given his current team, but stranger things have happened.
Q2: What will a Jake Evans trade look like?
A2: It won't be the cheapest trade but Toronto has the pieces to make it work. Pontus Holmberg has to go, and Toronto could get Evans for him and a 4th to give Montreal potential both now, and in the future.
It will look weird but it could work out splendidly for both teams.
In closing, Jake Evans to Toronto would be the first trade between the teams in nearly 7 years, and it's going to take a lot of convincing to let Kent Hughes part ways with his center. But Brad Treliving is a veteran in the game, and he knows how to play and win.
