Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans could be a solid fit for the Colorado Avalanche. Evans has been on the rumor block for quite some time this season. He’s one of the players featured in The Ahtletic’s trade board and described as a “quality fourth-line option.”
That comment is quite interesting as that’s something the Avalanche have been looking for this season. The merry-go-round of options on the checking line has been interesting, but thus far, have failed to materialize a permanent holder.
The addition of Jack Drury in the Mikko Rantanen trade partially solved that issue. While Drury could slide into that fourth-line role, he’s more suited for a middle-six spot. That leaves room for the Avs to add another center to round out the bottom six.
The acquisition of Juuso Parssinen earlier this season, one that sort of flew under the radar, hasn’t been terrible. Parssinen has filled in adequately.
However, I’m sure the Avalanche feel they could do better than Parssinen. That is why bringing in someone like Jake Evans could ultimately stabilize the Avs’ situation down the middle.
The Athletic describes Evans as a quick skater and solid penalty killer. While not overly big, he’s a solid fourth-liner for a contender.
Sounds exactly like what the Avs could be targeting. So, there’s plenty of reason to believe Jake Evans is someone the Colorado Avalanche should at least kick the tires on as the trade deadline looms.
The cost for Colorado Avalanche to acquire Jake Evans
Here’s the tricky part of this proposition. What would it cost the Colorado Avalanche to trade for Jake Evans?
Two things stand out in determining the price for Evans.
First of all, the Canadiens have quickly fallen out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. The Habs had been on a roll and climbed back into the playoff conversation. However, they hit the skids over the last two weeks and are back in the Atlantic Division cellar.
That situation means the Habs could be compelled to move Evans now, especially if they can recoup useful pieces. That approach could mean trying to fleece contenders for prospects or roster players.
Second, Evans is a UFA this summer. So, the cost to get him shouldn’t be quite as high as he’s nothing more than a rental. If Evans had some term left on his contract, the Canadiens could have raised their asking price.
All told I foresee the Avs using the draft picks they got from Carolina in the Rantanen trade to move the needle for a player like Evans. They may have to throw in a mid-level roster player to plug the lineup spot the Habs would have upon trading Evans.
Still, if the price is right for Colorado, bringing in Jake Evans is something certainly worth looking into.