Toronto Maple Leafs Among Teams Linked To Veteran Montreal Canadiens Center
One recent NHL trade rumor from a prominent insider is linking one Montreal Canadiens forward to the rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
A recent report from David Pagnotta of 'The Fourth Period' shared that the Toronto Maple Leafs are a possible destination for Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans, as well as the Los Angeles Kings.
Not sure if they've had any discussions to this point on an extension, but teams like Toronto, teams like Los Angeles, other clubs that want to bolster their bottom-six, Evans is going to be right there.
We'll see how the Canadiens maneuver that, because they know how valuable of a piece he can be and that cap hit alone is attractive.» - David Pagnotta
Evans, 28, has 5 goals and 14 points in 26 games this season for the Canadiens. Evans is currently making $1.7M up until the end of this upcoming season, set to be an unrestricted free agent and has played his entire six year NHL career with Montreal.
Evans is a reliable bottom-six center who excels on the penalty kill, leading all forwards in shorthanded ice time on one of the top PK teams in the league this season.
Sportsnet's Luke Fox previously linked Jake Evans to Toronto a few days ago, as well as mentioning possible options for the Leafs including Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Mikael Granlund of the San Jose Sharks. Frank Vatrano of the Anaheim Ducks, and Utah's Nick Bjugstad.
The Leafs are looking for offensive help as injuries have been a difficulty for Toronto's roster, although despite this are currently first in the Atlantic Division with 34 points along with the Florida Panthers, although Toronto has a game in hand to Florida.
Toronto is expected to gain more bodies back as Max Pacioretty has recently been taken off long-term injured reserve, with fellow forwards Max Domi and Bobby McMann also expected back in the few days.
Toronto's roster situation is expected to soon be sorted out, although offense still remains on the table for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and a potential trade for Evans is not out of the question just yet.
| POLL | ||
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Jake Evans? | ||
| Yes | 267 | 35.4 % |
| No | 487 | 64.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
