Devils Trade Target Acquisition Cost Revealed by Insider | Report

The New Jersey Devils have long been linked this season to Montreal Canadiens center, Jake Evans. On Sunday, his minimum price tag via the NHL trade market was revealed, and there’s reason to believe New Jersey will be a suitor in a potential Devils trade.

The Canadiens were one of just four teams playing on Sunday, the last day before the NHL pauses its schedule for the 4 Nations Face-Off. In attendance versus the Tampa Bay Lightning was Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald. With the March 7th NHL trade deadline drawing nearer, perhaps he’s getting a closer look at some players of interest.

Yes, the Devils were just in Montreal on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Canadiens 4-0. And there could also be truth that perhaps Fitzgerald stuck around in Montreal as the assistant GM of Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. USA will play first at the Bell Centre on Thursday before the tournament shifts to Boston. 4 Nations practice begins on Monday.

However, it’s become common knowledge that Fitzgerald is in the market for a third-line center. Jake Evans fits the bill, and the Devils have NHL trade history with the Canadiens.

The Canadiens lost to the Lightning 5-3 on Sunday, their third loss in a row. Montreal is now 2-7-1 in their last 10 games, projecting them as sellers at the NHL trade deadline. Evans spoke of his time in Montreal, contemplating if it was over.

“It’s been an honor,” Evans responded to the media. “It’s such a fun place to play, it’s such a great place to live, and I’ve just really enjoyed it. It’s truly an honor. There’s so much tradition here, so many great players that have worn this great jersey with pride, and it’s truly an honor.”

That’s partially because Evans is a pending unrestricted free agent. According to insider, Pierre LeBrun, it is unlikely Evans and the Habs find common ground on an extension.

Via X, Lebrun posts, “As discussed at intermission during on our Habs TSN broadcast, my understanding is Jake Evans and the Canadiens have exchanged numbers on what an extension might look like, and they’re not close. Obviously things can change with one phone call, but as of now that makes it more likely Evans gets dealt before the March 7 deadline. Calls from teams asking about Evans have increased lately with the Habs’ slide in the standings.”

That’s good news for the Devils who are in search for a third-line center and depth scoring. In 55 games this season, Evans has 11 goals and 27 points. He’s two goals and two points from matching career highs in both categories, three from setting personal bests.

The bad news?

Lebrun reports that it’s likely to take at least a second-round pick, and there are plenty of suitors lining up at the door.

In other words, that price could certainly increase.

The Devils have three second-round picks this season. Their own (if Jake Allen doesn’t reach 40 games played), the Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets.

If said price tag for Evans doesn’t inflate, the Devils could be players. However, if a bidding war ensues, the Devils don’t have a first round pick this year to play ball.

Perhaps, that’s actually good news. Evans is playing well overall this season, but more recently he’s been struggling to find the back of the net. He last scored nine games ago. Not that the Devils have one to sacrifice, but he’s certainly not worth a first-round pick.

We shall see what the next few weeks bring. There is no trade freeze during the 4 Nations Face-Off period, so it will be interesting to see if anything goes down before we return to NHL games in a few weeks.

For now, New Jersey and Montreal are two teams to watch for in regard to a potential Devils trade.

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