Insider Links Devils To Surging Canadiens Forward

The New Jersey Devils are expected to add to their roster at the deadline. This is understandable, as they are one of the top teams in the NHL.

One specific area they will try to boost is their bottom six, and we now know a specific player the Devils have on their wish list. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported on an episode of “Radar” that Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans is on the Devils’ radar.

“Among the teams that already have Jake Evans on their list are the New Jersey Devils, according to my information,” LeBrun said. “They are looking for a good center for their third or fourth line. And a right-hander, who can win faceoffs and kill penalties. Each team, like the Devils, aspiring to win the Stanley Cup has a list of 10 to 12 players at this time of year. But Jake Evans is one of 12 players on the Devils’ list.”

With the Devils needing another bottom-six center, it makes sense that they have a player like Evans on their list. The 28-year-old is thriving in the same role with the Canadiens this season, posting 10 goals, 23 points, 56 hits, and a plus-7 rating in 40 games. It has been a career year offensively for the Toronto, Ontario native, and he has also remained strong defensively in the process.

If the Devils acquired Evans, he could slot perfectly as their new third-line center, but the same can be said about the fourth line. In addition, he would be a clear option for their penalty kill because of his smart defensive play. This is why we here at The Hockey News New Jersey argued that the Devils should push for Evans last month.

Jake Evans

© David Kirouac-Imagn Images

With Evans being in the final season of his deal and the Habs currently not holding a playoff spot, there is certainly a chance that we will see him traded. It will be fascinating to see if the Devils end up being the club that acquires him, but the fit looks incredible on paper.