Maple Leafs could reportedly trade for their most hated rival's speedy center
Photo credit: La Presse
The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a challenging stretch due to injuries and with Bobby McMann injured, it could lead them to a trade for a Montreal Canadiens player.
As seen on the Maple Leafs Insider, the team has demonstrated resilience with a record of 13-7-2, but with all the injuries, their depth is being tested.
Bobby McMann's lower-body injury, which was sustained during the game,
adds to the Leafs' growing list of injured players.
adds to the Leafs' growing list of injured players.
Hockey Insider David Pagnotta has linked the Maple Leafs to the Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans.
He is known for his speed and polyvalence, Jake Evans could be an attractive target for the Leafs' bottom six.
His contract of $1.7 million makes him a cost-effective option for a team already near the salary cap ceiling, so it's really attractive for the Leafs.
''Jake Evans is going to be a player that a lot of different teams look at, teams that are looking to shore up their bottom 6 specifically, particularly on the 4th line. Remember this is a player that performed well for the Canadians, when they went on to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley cup finals 2 years ago.
He's got playoff experience at a young age. He's got that great cap hit ($1.7M). There wouldn't even need to be retention on Montreal's part. For teams looking to stabilize their bottom 6, Evans is going to be a target for a cup contender. Teams like Toronto, teams like Los Angeles, other teams who want to bolster their bottom 6 -- Evans is going to be right there."
He's got playoff experience at a young age. He's got that great cap hit ($1.7M). There wouldn't even need to be retention on Montreal's part. For teams looking to stabilize their bottom 6, Evans is going to be a target for a cup contender. Teams like Toronto, teams like Los Angeles, other teams who want to bolster their bottom 6 -- Evans is going to be right there."
Jake Evans brings a valuable playoff experience too since he played a key role during the Canadiens' 2021 run to the Stanley Cup Final.
His two-way game and his responsible defensive play would provide the Leafs with much-needed stability in their forward group.
Jake Evans' potential acquisition would not require salary retention from Montreal and it is making the logistics of the trade even simpler.
Teams like the Los Angeles Kings are also reportedly interested, meaning the Leafs may face competition for his services.
It will be interesting to see what the Maple Leafs decide to do here going forward.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 29 | 152 ANSWERS Maple Leafs could reportedly trade for their most hated rival's speedy center Would you like to trade for Jake Evans from the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 31.6 % |
| No | 104 | 68.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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