It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the March 7 trade deadline and teams are loading for some big moves. Contending clubs will be fine-tuning their rosters in order to make a push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We’ve seen some deals already made, but more will definitely happen before the deadline. One team that’s hoping to make some moves is the New Jersey Devils. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the Devils looking to add a young forward.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New Jersey Devils Eyeing Eastern Conference Forward
Rumour: TSN and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun said that the Devils are one of the teams interested in Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans.
Analysis: Evans is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and had been the subject of trade rumours. The 28-year-old centre and winger makes $1.7 million per season and has 10 goals and 23 points this season.
Many thought the Canadiens would be still in the middle of the rebuild. However, Montreal is a point off the second Wild Card spot coming into Saturday’s games. A number of people thought general manager Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton would be in sell mode.
However, the Habs are smack dab in the fight for a post-season spot. Evans plays an important part for Montreal and players like him are going to be needed if the team has designs on the post-season.
New Jersey Looking Parts
The Devils are looking for pieces for their own Stanley Cup Playoff push. New Jersey seems to be a lock for the post-season as it’s currently second in the Metropolitan Division.
This season has been a bounce-back campaign for the Devils. New Jersey is in the top-half of the league in offensive categories like goals (11th; 3.11 per game); shots on goal (eighth; 29.7) and power-play effectiveness (third; 28.8-percent).
It seems like the Devils offence is one of their strong points. However, adding a player like Evans would be a big boost to them. The former Notre Dame product is in the bottom-half of the lineup and could fill a depth role if the Devils acquire him.
Can a Deal Happen?
Montreal’s surprising play in the new year has added a complication to things. One wonders if Hughes and Gorton will pull the trigger on a deal if the right package comes along. Both teams have their own reasons to have Evans on their team. However, it’s Montreal that seemingly has the power in this situation.
LeBrun also mentions that Montreal would like to re-sign Evans. However, the Habs may not be comfortable with going five or six years with him. Evans is nearing his 30s and there are a number of younger players that may be able to fill the void.
The bottom six has been an area concern for the Devils, but could move onto other targets if a deal for Evans doesn’t materialize. Plenty could change between now and the deadline, but we’ll have to wait and see if Montreal deals the Toronto native.
Main photo by: John Jones-Imagn Images
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