This season the Toronto Maple Leafs have a problem they do not usually face with their lineup.
The Maple Leafs are missing a key second-line center after years of having the dynamic duo of Auston Matthews and John Tavares.
This season the Maple Leafs have tried Mitch Marner and William Nylander as well as Max Domi to try and find a second-line replacement.
To this point, none of these options have lived up to the expectations of Craig Berube and Brad Treliving.
As a result of the missing link on the second line, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to several forwards that could potentially fill the role.
A new suggestion has connected the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Montreal Canadiens versatile forward Jake Evans.
A report from Sportsnet analyst Luke Fox who covers the Toronto Maple Leafs threw out several names that the Maple Leafs are likely considering trading for.
One of those names was a 28-year-old center for the Montreal Canadiens Jake Evans.
This report goes along with a previous mention of Jake Evans and the Toronto Maple Leafs from insider David Pagnotta.
While Jake Evans is not the most flashy name mentioned by Luke Fox he does provide a unique advantage over the other players.
Jake Evans as we mentioned is just 28 years old which places him as the only player from this list to not have hit 30 yet.
This means he has more left in the tank and could provide prime years to the Maple Leafs for longer than Brock Nelson or Nick Bjugstad might be able to.
Of course, Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs would be trading with a rival and would likely need to overpay to land Jake Evans.
Luckily the Maple Leafs have plenty of young talent and draft picks that could entice the Canadiens who are still in a rebuild.
The Maple Leafs continue to be in their Stanley Cup contending window and if they feel Jake Evans gives them the best chance to compete then this is a move they have to make.
As more reports come out regarding Jake Evans' future with the Montreal Canadiens and the Maple Leafs' pursuit of a top-six center we will pass along the latest details.
POLL | ||
Is Jake Evans worth trading for if you have to give up a top prospect or high draft pick? | ||
Yes | 17 | 28.3 % |
No | 43 | 71.7 % |
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