Canadian Arch-Rivals Linked in Trade Talks by Top NHL Insider
Two of the biggest Canadian rivals were linked in trade talks by Frank Seravalli, one of the top NHL insiders.
Even though the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the biggest rivalries in the National Hockey League's history, the two teams could complete a trade together, according to Frank Seravalli.
He wrote in a recent paper that the Leafs could go after Jake Evans, one of the Habs' top trade assets going into this year's deadline.
Here's what he wrote:
"This feels unholy, completing a deal between the Leafs and Habs, but it wasn't that long ago that Montreal sent another third-line center to Toronto (Tomas Plekanec) at the deadline in 2018. It doesn't sound like the Canadiens are on a path to getting an extension done with Evans, who is now more likely to move than not."
Set to become a free agent, Evans, a Toronto native, impressed a lot of people with his consistency and his career-high pace for 16 goals.
Seravalli added:
"Evans is also on pace for a career-high 16 goals, so he can chip in offense. He has played in three Stanley Cup Final games, so he won't be overwhelmed by the moment.
Plus, he's a Toronto kid, so there is definite re-signing potential that makes this late second-round pick a worthy expedition. From the Canadiens' perspective, if Evans isn't coming back, they'll want to maximize value. They had a mid-second-round pick on the table for Evans at last June's Draft; this isn't that, being a Florida pick, but maybe a flier on another Finnish forward who was a second-rounder in 2020 will be enough."
Plus, he's a Toronto kid, so there is definite re-signing potential that makes this late second-round pick a worthy expedition. From the Canadiens' perspective, if Evans isn't coming back, they'll want to maximize value. They had a mid-second-round pick on the table for Evans at last June's Draft; this isn't that, being a Florida pick, but maybe a flier on another Finnish forward who was a second-rounder in 2020 will be enough."
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving talked about the possibility of adding talent at that position and isn't sure it will happen:
"I think we've got depth. We've got lots of guys who can play the position. Is it an area that we continue to try to upgrade? I would say this: the guys at the top of the food chain are pretty darn good.
Auston, and how can you talk anything but positively about the year John's having? So to say you're going to get somebody above that, I don't think that's realistic. Are there ways we can continue to look at adding to that? Sure. I think there's some depth there. Is that an area we'd like to continue to look at? I'm sure it is, but we, along with 15 or 18 other teams, are looking at center depth."
Auston, and how can you talk anything but positively about the year John's having? So to say you're going to get somebody above that, I don't think that's realistic. Are there ways we can continue to look at adding to that? Sure. I think there's some depth there. Is that an area we'd like to continue to look at? I'm sure it is, but we, along with 15 or 18 other teams, are looking at center depth."
Both teams will be interesting to follow ahead of the deadline. Stay tuned for more.
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| POLL | ||
FÉVRIER 16 | 430 ANSWERS Canadian Arch-Rivals Linked in Trade Talks by Top NHL Insider Do you think the Montreal Canadiens will trade Jake Evans? | ||
| Yes | 260 | 60.5 % |
| No | 170 | 39.5 % |
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