The Habs are forced into an IMPOSSIBLE decision...

[@mannyo2909]

Who here saw that play Heinemen made to overpower the defenceman and pass to Armia for a goal, wicked play! So impressed how he is developing!

[@tonylloy327]

Yup, saw it. Also saw the power move Armia made to blow through the pinching D and break it out of our zone to create the goal by Evans.

[@DennyDupuis]

He grabbed the D’s stick, but it was around his waist. I’m so glad the refs let it go. Good old fashioned puck battles is something hockey is missing anymore. Ref’s seem to think we all watch to see them blow their whistle. I love that power hockey style. The game has lost a lot it. It’s a bummer. Vegas at 3pm ET today! GoHabs

[@okbeinglast]

Arturi Lehkonen Lars Eller are the kind of players that Montreal developed into great defensive forwards great on the penalty kill once they left and won Stanley Cup we had nobody to replace them now we have a few players who can offer great defensive skills Armia and Evans are both of those players I think we need to think twice before we unload them they're valuable part of our building future just my thoughts

[@Nate77701]

Exactly!

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

but they havent been doing that the last 5 seasons till now....

[@HabsTypeBeat]

Armia can go. I’d give him 1 year at 1.5 mill maybe but Evans you must sign, even if it costs you 4 mill a year. 3.5 is more ideal though.

[@viper29ca]

Evans yes. Armia no

[@xellossm8444]

You forgot Danault....we cannot keep giving away or letting good defensive forwards go, especially centers that have good faceoff skills.

[@paulgrenier6773]

Jake Evans is a $4.5M for 4 years player. He is one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL. He is invaluable on faceoffs, on penalty kills and his leadership is way underrated. Letting him go would be a huge mistake

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Yup. Look what happened when Daneault left!

[@curtisjackson7776]

@@Pocketrocket-pj1us hope we can get him closer to 3.25 -- but i wouldnt disagree

[@Image1Nation]

Jake Evans is what we hoped Dvo was gonna be for us. Guy is a certified penalty killer who can cover top competition. You trade Evans, you will cry why Suzuki doesn’t get better match ups. The points is just icing on the cake. 4x4 would be perfect for us and then we put that money towards Demidov/David when Evans expires and RFAs come up.

[@darrenroberge8836]

If they trade Evans for picks what are the chances of that player making it into the NHL? Then what are the chances of that player producing equivalent to Evans production?

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Exactly. When you have a sure thing, be sure to Keep him!

[@PeterZuniga-xz5it]

Without Jake and Arnia we’re destined to struggle for a long time while their replacements mature enough to contribute, if they ever do . Hughes made that mistake with Lecky , he won’t do it again .

[@vdac1068]

Armia an inconsistent big body that doesn’t play like a PWF is very replaceable a faceoff wiz, pk stud that can chip in and scores like Evans is not

[@johnlavers3970]

everybody forgets that the lekky trade was because they were over the cap. bergeron had left them with a pile of bad contracts. bergevin paid armioa( a big mistake) rather than kekkenon

[@petsok3130]

I miss Lecky! 😢 That trade was a bust! Newhook was also a poor trade based on what we gave up with the high picks...Hopefully, that changes when he finds chemistry with steady linemates Carrier! 💪🤩👍

[@CanadianBiPolarBear]

Armia is a plug , both these players are replaceable with 5th round draft picks or free agnecy

[@raygenereaux695]

You wont replace Evans with 5th round pick​@CanadianBiPolarBear

[@joemonella3351]

No impossible decisions to be made, just sign Evans !

[@billymitton3033]

Why? Bennett and Benn are available With Demidov here next year They will both shield him helping him like foligno did Kaprizov his first 3 years Both will help support Demidov as a player but unlike Evans they will cost less the way Evans is playing and bring more physicality. I like Benn-Demidov-Dach Demidov wants to play Center he says Plus we'd rather Benn/Dach on the boards cycling him pucks Benn made a lot of good Centers better in DAL over the years

[@markhodge7]

With so much coming off the books and cap climbing, we need to recalibrate value for the core, even if bottom six. It's time to consolidate and acknowledge what pieces are needed for this team. Jake fills a need. Don't Monahan him.

[@mwpellerin]

We have 1 centermen if we trade Evans...this isn't a conversation he needs to be signed...even before this burst in production Evans has been solid asf for years. 4 mill all day

[@tonylloy327]

Yup!! Might hesitate at 5, but less than that and there shouldn't be any question we keep him. For people who think not, don't forget the cap gets a healthy bump next year and our core guys are signed with term. We definitely have the room.

[@tetraboom8730]

Hage and Beck will play ahead of him in 2 years max.

[@HabsTypeBeat]

4th liners don’t play 15 minutes a game. They play 10 minutes a game. He’s a 3rd line centre.

[@tetraboom8730]

He's on the PK a lot

[@c.cylune6909]

Absolutely. That '4th liner' label needs to go. He's averaging 0.41 P/GP since 2021-22. That is solid 3rd line level production especially considering he doesn't get offensive opportunities.

[@billymitton3033]

@@c.cylune6909 Why ? It hasnt been a negative Connotation since 2009 really Every cup team since has required 4 lines being rolled and a lot from their 4th line players either defensively or offensively. MTL's 2021 SCF run our 4th line played the 3rd most minutes and scored the 2nd most points Only teams like PIT or EDM with 2 top 5 NHL players in a good season can play guys that little. Most teams make bottom 6 your special teams guys and those left over are your core checkers/fighters. Most teams dont have the top tier talent to play only 2 or 3 lines

[@c.cylune6909]

@billymitton3033 if a line is third in minutes and second in points I don't consider it a 4th line, whatever the official line up says.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Agree.

[@DusterBooster]

There's no impossible decision: sign him & give him what he wants.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Exactly. I mean, haggle a bit. This is Quebec and I've been a Flea market/Garage sale junkie for 15 years and I always thought prior G.M.'s would let the team's history get tangled up with their egos, thinking players should just be honored to play here, then trading them at the slightest sign of disrespect. I've seen potential stat after star, ruined by a terrible scouting, drafting and development team! Don't even mention the Bruins player, name starts with a P. (They should have fired everyone but Youpii after that gaff.) My Gawd were passionate fans, which is just short for FANATIC! lol Please never take my passion for rudeness! I'm here to talk Hockey but I don't want to ever insult anyone else. All opinions are valid and 99% of us would be close friends irl Don't know about you but my group of 5 or 6 friends were either Hockey, or Gamer Crazy! That's how I like it Cheers..

[@hotboyphil]

I would keep Evans, he was part of the 2021 run and will keep the team in check in the rush of the play offs.... eventually

[@billymitton3033]

He was out most of the games Only played when we were struggling He went out injured and Lehkonen tagged in Thats when shit happened People forget it was Evans or Lehkonen until they cut KK int the Finals for Evans when he returned from the concussion via WPG I like Evans but he wasnt a Factor and guys who seen more SCF in Bennett and Jaime Benn fit better and need new homes

[@TomCrouchman.]

Evans must be resigned. We have no Center depth to be able to replace him. The cap is going up, there is room for him. As long as he wants to sign a reasonable deal. I agree with your number, under 4m and no more than 4 years.

[@marioloponte27]

2 weeks ago he was a 3 million dollar player. Recency bias!!!! He did not produce in any season at the rate he’s producing now. Classic contract year performance. Dont take the bait

[@tonylloy327]

​@@marioloponte27The 2021 playoffs aren't recent. He and Armia were a *huge* part of that run. Our PK was what carried us, and it was them and Danault and Leks leading it up front. We don't make it out of the first round without them.

[@marioloponte27]

@@tonylloy327 he's a good Penalty Killer and adds value now. Even last year I was not high on him at all. I would be careful with the career year contract year. 4 mill is an overpay.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

I agree with the players named but coming back from 3-1 took a lot more than that. I think you're missing 3 important pieces, all never played another meaningful game for the team. Price and Weber were Conn Smythe winners (of the first 3 rounds, before their body parts started to fall off!) When they were announced as done, it was almost worse than losing game 3 of the Finals. Franchise changing events. The last was Cockyniemi(sp). That's a tale for another time ;)

[@r_p_m7330]

Armia has been solid since he came back from his demotion to Laval last year.

[@odie1123]

Not really. Better recently. I call him Joel (don’t hit me )Armia .

[@tonylloy327]

Armia has had some moments in the past where he's really looked like he was coming into his own. Unfortunately, every time he got his confidence and got rolling he'd get injured. It was uncanny how it would *always* happen to him that way. Now he's been healthy for over a year we're seeing the real Armia, and it's pretty solid. DON'T TRADE ARMIA!!!

[@markmullane1934]

You need players like Jake Evans to win. He has never been given an opportunity to shine in all his years in Montreal, yet he’s been a solid player through and through. You saw flashes of it last year, but he is coming into his own this year. They are the most consistent line for the Habs over the last ten games. When he’s out there I feel at ease and he’s a penalty killing machine. It would be a massive mistake to lose Jake. Oh, btw, the guys in the room absolutely love him.

[@tonylloy327]

Yes!!! And ya know, you could be speaking about Lehkonen and everything you said would be bang on about him as well...including the part about how he's appreciated in the room. Let's hope HuGo doesn't make the same brutal mistake twice and trade Evans.

[@richardjensen9313]

Not only does Evans play well but he is a great role leader for the team even if he doesn't score 40 or 30 goals. He is a work horse

[@ShaneLavigne-ke2rh]

So true

[@VacheBien]

Habs fan in Hong Kong - thoroughly enjoy your programme guys. Keep up the great content.

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Hey, Mon ami (My friend) Bienvenue au Montreal. Welcome to, the place to be for hockey talk, without any insulting or trolling, I hope). To be honest, I only joined 5 days ago but I like what I see so far and I Love hearing about Montreal Hockey fans from other countries. I don't work for this site in any way but I do want to make sure my city and our Team, show others, the same respect to everyone, who deserves it! :) As you may know, the Montreal Canadiens have over 100 years of history! While the STANLEY CUP has 132, if my math is right! The easiest way to remember the age of The Cup is to take the year 25 and add 7. The 100 is a given. The first Stanley Cup was won in 1893 by the Montreal A.A.A. (exciting name, yes? lol). It stood for, 'Amateur Athletic Association' and has no connection to Les Canadiens. I'm still proud to have lived my entire life here, besides the loss of our Baseball team, The Montreal Expos. That was in 2004. How about you? Have you lived in Hong Kong your entire life? I've hears it is a beautiful country but unless a buy a boat, I won't get far. I hate to Fly! Yesterday, I was watching a French show, called 'L'antichambre' and former Montreal Legend Vincent Damphousse said, the good years are on the way (rough translation) ;) So, I hope that stays true and feel free to pose questions and share opinions. Most Canadiens' fans are very passionate and we occasionally forget that we come on strong. Please know, it's nothing personal. At least from me and 99% of the rest of us :) So take care for now and hopefully you will be able to enjoy the back end, of a tough rebuild! But, as someone who was 16, the last time we Won the Stanley Cup, let me state. it's all worth it! If you can win it ;) Bonsoir Good Night 🇨🇦♥️🏒 :)

[@limp10]

Dvo out, sign evans to solidify the 3rd line. Let Beck play the 4th when he is ready

[@tonylloy327]

My thoughts exactly! Even the Florida commentators were joking about how Dvorak never smiles. Keep the guys who play with some passion, and pride in wearing the CH.

[@billymitton3033]

Becks the #1 Center on the #4 AHL team as a Rookie. I dont see you being able to hold down this Pest Goal scoring Faceoff Specialist who lives on Special Teams. You'd have a better shot at making Dach a #1 Center then you would holding Beck Down as like Suzuki pressure just makes him step up not crumble. Evans has no place here we have Demidov arriving He's been working with Kuznetsov on his Center Game He's expressed interest in Russian Media in trying to earn MTL's 2nd C job If we got a clue we find him a Faceoff Center who plays Wing helping youth make the jump. Benn ,Stamkos and Marchessault are the best at it while Bennett is a nice cancellation prize. They build strong Faceoff Centers over time and Benn/Demidov adds a protective layer he'll need in the NHL

[@tonylloy327]

@@billymitton3033 ?? Not sure what you're talking about. A team needs 4 centers and a couple of wingers who can move into the middle when needed. Demidov should start his NHL career on the wing, and IMO at -20 with a 45% FO playing center, Dach might be more effective there as well. When Dvorak is out, that leaves us just Suzuki, Beck, and Evans in the middle. Losing Evans only makes the situation worse.

[@tetraboom8730]

@@tonylloy327 Dont forget Hage, he'll be in the NHL sooner than you think.

[@moiradeschuytter2976]

As a fairly new hockey fan, who mostly watches the highlights (I'm from Europe and haven't found a way to watch full games) these kind of channels are suc a gem! Thank you for all of the videos, I'm learning so much every day, especially since I have no clue about waivers and contracts and how it all goes!

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Hi, how are you. Welcome. I just wrote a long message to a new member from Hong Kong. If I was not so tired I would right a similar one to you but for now, feel free to read me post. Most of the info applies to any new member. If you are looking to learn about the past, I'm the most qualified I've met so far but as far as the last few years, I was forced to take a step back from Hockey because my blood pressure was too high (no joke but I joke about the condition and feel bad for what I missed). I've been watching since 1985 and I am what you might call, Crazy about Hockey! So, if you have questions, I volunteer to help and I'm sure most of the others would too but I don't want to assume because I only joined this site 5 days ago. So we are in the same boat there. lol I'm going to take a nap. Our next game is against Chicago today. Usually games from Chicago start at 8 EST I usually record the games and watch them later so good luck to you and Bonne Chance au Les Canadiens! Bonsoir (Good night) from Montreal Quebec Canada 🇨🇦♥️🏒

[@alija83]

Armia & Josh are already certified players for the playoffs.

[@tonylloy327]

Yes, yes, yes! We have more than enough smallish players. So keep the guys with size who we already know can bring it in the playoffs. And they love playing in Montreal, which is more important for team chemistry than people realize.

[@WilliamFord-g1b]

Jake deserves a good contract. He has 4 GWG. Stats aside, he and Gallagher are consistently the hardest workers every shift. The Cap is increasing. Hughes will offer him what he’s worth. With Savard retiring at the end of the season, we can afford Evans.

[@billymitton3033]

He's playing vs 4th line players, it makes sense. He's a solid Middle six guy having a career year performing at the higher end as a solid 2nd line guy this year so far. But he's playing 4th line minutes and scoring on Special Teams If he was a top 6 scoring vs top 6 guys then year 100% as thats a Danault like Evolution But this isnt that

[@josephwhite4489]

I am so sick of hearing about Beck & Hage...No one really knows if they will ever be worthy of anything other than a beer league..Playing well in Laval doesn't always translate to the big leagues..cue C. Primeau...There is no impossible decision. All Kent Hughes has to do is ask himself if he wants to continue to make other teams contenders...If he wants the Habs to be just a farm system for other franchises...a feeder system, like TNA for WWE/NXT/AEW...it pisses me off [AND, I love TNA]. I've said this before...I've seen the Habs win 7 CUPS!!. I've seen SO MANY guys, in the same mold as Evans, ....Jarvis, Gainey, Carbonneau, Brian Skrudland, Mike McPhee, Mike Keane..who went on to become Habs legends...most became our Captain/Asst.Captain..and there, SERIOUSLY, exits talk about trading a player like that!?! Stop worrying about dollar signs and start focusing on being a real competitor...None of us are promised tomorrow..so lets live in the now and concentrate on what's right in front of eyes. If Evans wants to stay, stop dicking around...break the piggy bank & pay him already. Owens & Hage can wait at the back of the line. For crying out loud, we got Pezzatta earning a paycheck, sitting out all season. If there's that much desperation to make room for AHL players, dump him and his salary, and open a spot that way. If one has to believe the rhetoric, Montreal are on the verge of discarding, Matheson, Savard, Armia, Gallager, Dvorak, and, possibly. Anderson...voids galore!! Plenty of room for the young'uns ..but lets trade Evans, anyway, just to be thorough...HUH???? He stays..no discussion, no discord, no debate.

[@tetraboom8730]

How ppl know about Beck and Hage and can make projections ? by watching them play, their progress,... Hockey Scouting 101

[@tomsingerman2907]

Evan’s for Ptime Minister, Armia for deputy prime minister.

[@AshleyBidensBathTime]

What does that mean when you say we only have so much time for this video? What would happen if you spoke for an extra minute?

[@tonylloy327]

Josh loses a slipper and Jesse turns into a giant grinning pumpkin!!!

[@Pocketrocket-pj1us]

Good question ;)

[@MikeHunt-c5m]

I like Evans as a player, he puts his work boots on every night and he's pretty much a Swiss army knife. The 3 X 3.5M range would be ideal but he will likely attract better offers than that. If we can get a deal close to that with no trade protection then I would contemplate it...

[@simonsirois9034]

3,5 is a steal. Just for the face off numbers, habs should be open to 4 mil. He's gonna get 4,5 on the fa market, near 5 is not impossible but would be too much. Dvorak got 4,5 a few years ago. Mtl can't let him go, nobody else can take fo on that team... so Evans is about to get paid!

[@nanukone4027]

Love you guys - GO HABS they’re coming on!

[@doubllechief6926]

Way too early to tell. See how things look come March. See where we are in the playoff hunt and how Evans looks in a couple months. Can’t forget he’s a 28 yr old in a contract year.

[@damienhebert6145]

Personally I think I’d be willing to give him 5 mill max , he’s earned it , he is a key players in our defensive game and pk and a player that can step up for big players when there injured , 5mill or anything less is perfect imo

[@stevecollins4919]

3.5 for 4 years … he’s a keeper !!! Always put in an effort and it seems that this year the coaches have eased off on the reins and he does have speed, a good shot and great playmaking abilities … you always hold your “Aces close”

[@HabsAndHeavyMetal]

The Carrier quote @ 1:17. Isn't that essentially the same thing as Laine said about the Jackets? So, are the Preds going head hunting when they play the Habs next? Great compliments for the Habs though.

[@michel-oliviersevigny9070]

5.5M for 5 years for Evans contract extension accounting the salary cap will raise.. Trading him would be a mistake

[@Image1Nation]

Anything over 4mill should be 4 years max.

[@yousoufibraham-z2p]

Great show guys happy new year both of you

[@TrevorSeveright-r8v]

Armia is a playoff type player also

[@tonylloy327]

Yes!!!

[@Corock]

For those people that want all the UFA’s traded, do they also want the worst PK in the league? Without Evans, Armia, Dvorak, and Savard who is going to kill penalties? Are you going to leave Suzuki, Anderson, Matheson and Arber/Carrier on the ice for the full PK every time? Or do people expect Beck, Kapanen, and Maillooux to just step into the league as an established penalty killer? A team that takes as many penalties as MTL needs a solid PK.

[@tonylloy327]

Perfectly said!!!

[@dominik_9619]

Exactly, Why bring in 26y old Laine if you're going to trade away all your key players afterward?

[@kpopclips02]

Idk why so many people hate Armia yeah he’s not the most consistent but he’s not bad and almost every single player on this team is inconsistent if he had a 1 million aav instead of a 3.5 million he will probably be a fan favourite

[@noiricha]

If you look at all the different things Jake brings to the table , it will be difficult to find these qualities in an up and coming prospect right away ... so that means a down grade. Will a down grade hurt the momentum that the team seems to be generating now. I can think of others that are closer to being moved - Savard - Armia - Dvorak - Newhook.

[@tonylloy327]

Keep Armia. Lose Dvorak and Newhook.

[@wattsnex2725]

Great show guys…i’d be interested if you guys sprinkled in a bit more advanced metrics. Not too much to turn off the avg fan, but a some of these value discussions of the bottom 6 have interesting metrics that are pretty relevant to contracts and trade value.

[@tonylloy327]

I've replied to a lot of comments on this video (and great to see all the passion back here!!). But one thing we should all keep in mind is that we're very luckily injury-free at the moment. So discussing who to trade and how to fill what spots on the roster from ONLY the perspective of what it looks like right now is a bit illusory. Think about guys who would be very tough to replace from Laval or our current prospect pool if they were ever injured, and make sure we keep them. In my mind that includes both Evans and Armia. It doesn't include Dvorak or Newhook. And although I wouldn't like to see them go, it probably doesn't include Savard or Anderson either. So if you're *really* bent on giving up players at the deadline for more picks....

[@xellossm8444]

The Habs need to find a way to keep Evans. After Danault left coupled with the career endings of Weber and Price....the team dropped into the abyss in the 2021-22 season and slowly getting out of it. A defensive center could be a bidding war....remember Danault signed for $5.5M/season with the Kings. Keeping Evans at $4M/season with the cap going up and possibly much higher than normal....not happening. We lose Evans, think the rebuild will add a few more years before can contend legitimately for a playoff spot.

[@SkebbyPKMN]

Is it taboo/out of the question to discuss a free agency return after a trade? He seems to love this team and i could see him wanting to come back even if he gets traded, but is that something a GM can even discuss or is that tampering of some form?

[@HabsTypeBeat]

I wouldn’t take the risk. That pick isn’t important enough.

[@tonylloy327]

Definitely tampering. Just sign him!

[@DrewDerek-fr2pc]

We’re like the farm team for other NHL organizations. Habs management, need to resign Evan’s. #1 Penalty killer on the team. Habs need to look at trading Anderson, Dvorak and Armia.

[@dan7291able]

Guys ... its because they are not the 4th line lol, amazingly, gallagher - dvorak - anderson at a combined 15M in capspace are the 4th line... and theyre doing ok too! lol

[@HabsTypeBeat]

Exactly. Evans plays 15 mins a game. That’s 3rd line.

[@tonylloy327]

On a perfectly balanced team, you want your top 2 lines to be interchangeable reliable scorers and your bottom 2 to be interchangeable reliable 2-way energy lines. I don't care one bit if they're not 'labelled' as '3rd line' or '4th line'.

[@kpopclips02]

So if we trade Armia and of course dvotrash will go to FA who is ready to be called up just wondering

[@stevecochrane9531]

One question about Jake Evans... he's been doing great, but how sustainable is his streak? At this pace, he'll finish with something like 50 goals and 75 assists. I'm glad he's doing well, but it might be a bit soon to evaluate his worth for next season. Thanks, guys!

[@grandcrowdadforde6127]

KEEP Evans! hes developing into a great consistent scorer..

[@Ben-hi5zm]

What impossible decision? Keep him. Period. The Leafs have been looking for a decent bottom 6 for years! We have them, we keep them. Armia and Evans especially. Dvorak should be trader.

[@tonylloy327]

EXACTLY!!!!

[@oldhab7890]

Evans is the type of player Montreal needs. He is an essential. Resign him. If Beck can make the team next year then move Evans up to the third line and give Beck a year on the 4th line to mature. I am still not sure about of centres as it will take several weeks of good play for me to play with Dach, Armia is a tough choice. I think this is a decision that GM's hate. I guess I would want a very good return to trade him. If he wants to sign a reasonable short term contract I would tend to look to sign him for a couple of years. Everyone out there = HAPPY NEW YEAR

[@NIGHTBREED3R]

Resign Jake and Joey 🦘 Army !!

[@moonobservergilles5730]

liisten number 71 is the one who will make the decision not the mtl GM. if Evans wants the $$$$$$$ well he will be traded. 1+1=2 like Bergevin once said if you want loyalty buy a dog. But Jake evens deserves a good raise do not do what you did with Monahan. But a 4th line or 3rd line player in any team should not be earning 4 millions a season. ? This is why Jake Evens will have to decide what he will do. at 28 this could be the contract of his career. he has improved a lot. But the chemestry is in Mtl with Jake ,will he find the same chemestry else where?

[@MrXanderii]

He trade value is high but he won't always produce at this level. Cut the guy loose. You didn't sign him before the start of the year, he is going to be easy to expensive now. Get the best return for him. Think of the future. He is 29

[@jim6503]

Not disagreeing with your stance but you replace Evans with who? Beck isn't ready yet even if he is doing pretty good in the AHL. We traded Kovacevic and realised our mistake by getting Carrier. You need vets on this team to support the rookies.

[@NickSuzuki14]

​@@jim6503I'm with you here. I think they'll be able to sign him for a reasonable price it'll just be insane term for a bottom six guy. To me as long as guys aren't signed passed 35, it doesn't make me raise my eyebrows. I wouldn't re-sign a guy who's 32 like Armia will be, but 29 is fine. This is a premier/luxury bottom six player. You can have one or two of those. I know Jake will never score like this again but at the same time he's still great in his role. I'd be happy to keep him if he takes a little lower AAV for a bit more term. I don't see him getting 4M+ from us. I think management already has a formula to their cap structure so if he's not coming down low enough they'll move him. On the plus side his value is at an all time high.

[@jamieh4148]

@@jim6503 Beck will have to be ready or you trade him too. He should get the chance though. Evans isn't worth over 4 million on the fourth line, no one is.

[@Nate77701]

No we did the same thing with Danault we need guys like Evans in the lineup regardless of the rebuild. We are already thin at the center of the ice with Evans.

[@HabsTypeBeat]

The future is now. If you always think future you turn into the Sabres.

[@jonsmith9518]

Same shit happened with Armia. Don’t make the same mistake. Trade him at the deadline and maximize your asset. You can pick up guys like this in free agency when the time is right.

[@5orrs]

Evans first 5 seasons .34 points per game, this season playing for new contract .64 points per game. Sell high!

[@HabsTypeBeat]

Sell high and never improve as a team.. We have to build on what we’re doing this season to eventually become a contender. The cap is getting ridiculously high the next few years. Pay the man and if it doesn’t work out it won’t matter one bit.

[@gamingczar5710]

@@HabsTypeBeatif it doesn’t work it then sure the salary is whatever but we lose out on what we could get for him right now, i want to keep him but if we can get a decent second rounder for him i wouldn’t be upset

[@AshleyBidensBathTime]

I’m not against sell high. I’m also not against resign as free agent! Think about who he has been stuck playing with up until now. He never gets to play with guys like Heineman.

[@HabsTypeBeat]

@@gamingczar5710 That second rounder probably never plays in the nhl and if you’re lucky you get a bottom 6 forward like Evans but in 5 years.. Getting an impact player with that pick is extremely rare. Just keep him. I get where you’re coming from but the way I look at it is Evans help you become a contender quicker. It isn’t all about the talent. You also need strong role players and vets to pair with them.

[@bedbath9056]

Ya, he is kind of player once you have BIG FAT CONTRACT he will slow donw. He worth $3M max, asking more Habs should trade him.

[@spencer2365]

You can’t rebuild by signing older veterans. You have to move him to make room to bring guys up and give them a shot. Move him at the deadline for the best deal you can get.

[@CraigMcKee]

What does paying Carey Price have to do with whether we can afford Jake Evans? Price is irrelevant.

[@henryzelman33]

I think Carrier being Quebecois makes him a great fit with the Habs. How could he not like where he is? His play thus far has been very good and he is fitting into the system well. Hats off to Kent Hughes for this move. The big question is how will Dobes play in the long run? Game one was sensational. The Jake Evans problem is the kind of problem a GM wants. In the last couple of weeks, his value has shot up a lot. I think moving Jake only makes sense if a move brings a marquis player in return.

[@nunyabidness159]

I'd be willing to go 5x5 to sign Evans. When Beck is ready to take over that role I think that is still a tradeable contract with the cap rising and the veteran value for the player. He's a center which is a weak spot for the Habs right now and signing a C in FA will run you that much anyway. At least with Evans we know what we'll get.

[@KeithGreene-wu7bu]

Be a very stupid move and slow down the process by getting rid of Armia and Evans bottom 6 players win Stanley Cups

[@oasisbeyond]

The question is Evans having a career year and will drop off next year? If he leaves and plays with more talented players he can do better. But he is what he is, a few years ago we were asking what the heck is he. MSL made him become more important. like Anderson and Armia, gotta make those bottom liners important and play them on pk and key moments.

[@TxcNtr]

i think Toronto will offer 5 million for 3 years

[@anpc86]

They have almost no cap space and so many holes to fill once you're past the big 4, they always cheap out on goalies

[@matthewhawkins5760]

Look at those stats for Barron lol. What a trade

[@FitnessTraveler-kp6zy]

Teams that need a specialist on penalty kills who also scores during kills and full strength will pay for that. Montreal no more than 3.5 for 3yrs or 3.7 for 2 years. The problem is other teams hurting on penalty kills will offer 4 plus. He may want to set himself to play in the warmer territories of the NHL.

[@davitong]

If a 4th liner makes $4 million per year, 1st liners should make upwards of $10 million. That will break team budget and ruin its competitiveness.

[@tonylloy327]

Not really!! We have our top guys signed on team-friendly deals with term. Unlike teams like Toronto and Pittsburgh, that gives us room to round out our bottom six with players who are actually *excellent* in that role and not just random revolving door types every year. A solid lineup top-to-bottom is the way to go!!!

[@matthewsecord7641]

Evans has to want to be in Montreal. He's incredibly good, but it doesn't matter if he's not right between the ears. Now, of all people Martin St. Louis SHOULD be the guy that can relate as an underrated player. I can EASILY see Jake as 3rd or 2nd if he can invest in himself and commit to the team. Please understand I am not judging Evans, I don't know. 5 goals in 5 games isn't a good metric. It shouldn't be you CAN outplay your stock, but that can happen.

[@anpc86]

Can't dvorak cap hit go to Evans? And eventually we free up more with Anderson and Gallagher (maybe resignded for much lower cap hit) so we can keep armia and heinemen Really liking what they are providjng and balanced lines, keeps pressure off first two lines Hope Hughes can make it work, because Evans is the type of guy you want on your team even in rebuild, he erases and avoid mistakes , our top players dont need to be shutting/facing the other top players and you dont need to stress out about a penalty when you got Evans

[@christianshaw9102]

Offer Evans all the women in Montreal as tribute!

[@tonylloy327]

Uuuummm...that's one helluva signing bonus!!

[@tetraboom8730]

Montreal can only retain the salary of one more player this year. I doubt it'll be Armia. Maybe another team could keep some of his salary but all that for a good 4th liner ? i doubt it.

[@frozenrabbit5641]

It is kinda sad to have so good situation with future talent... that you have to consider giving up one man Armia.

[@tonylloy327]

Why do we have to lose Armia? Dvorak and Newhook can go and we'd hardly notice. Demidov and Beck in next year, with other options coming through the pipeline soon after. And guys like Roy and RHP ready at a moment's notice to fill in for injuries.

[@frozenrabbit5641]

@tonylloy327 well I sure hope people making the calls see Armia's value.

[@ShaneLavigne-ke2rh]

They can let some players leave but not Evans he is to good on both sides of the ice go habs go

[@DonQuast-gn5gb]

Sign Evans he deserves it turning into the kind player habs need go Habs go

[@CdnDoodInOz-tm6yg]

It's fair to chalk up some of Evans increased production this seasons is down to him looking to his UFA and a big bump in pay. He's shown he has developed and is capable of better numbers but can he sustain this current level or better to justify another 3 years at $3-4m/season? If he shows signs of balking at that then I think there's your answer. As you guys have said, he's a solid bottom 6 player so I suppose it comes down to who's going to take up that spot if they trade him and what can they get. Bring in another reclamation project in the off season in a similar position as he was 3 years ago, a cheap-ish body at maybe .3 points/game or leave that spot for someone coming up from Laval. I think Evans is in a similar position as Savard in that if the right offer comes along they gotta look at it. BUT..if the current trend and direction of the team brings them into 'the mix', they need to sit and not upset the chemistry they're building. Reassess before the trade deadline. As usual guys, thanks.

[@dorvalrunner]

Let's not forget Danault. Sign him and give Armia a decent offer. If they cant sign them by the deadline ... trade

[@tetraboom8730]

His shooting % this year is 30% !! He wont keep that up. Even if he dramatically improved from his two years before : 3% and 8 %.

[@Image1Nation]

I want Beck to be around Evans so that one day he can check the fuck out of the nhl on a line with Heineman. As long as it’s 4 years max, the AAV doesn’t matter unless we are trying to signe a high profile UFA.

[@SavingPrivateRy]

If we get rid off Evans or Armia before letting go of Anderson or Gally. It’ll rain for 2 years in Montreal

[@Marknutbrown-r8i]

If you can sign him for 3. Mil. Do it but more walk away remember he is not that big and is injury prone you can replace him with younger guys

[@raymondspruance]

Impossible decision? Are you suggesting it would be preferrable that Evans was struggling and had little market value? Evans' value is higher than it's ever been. Hughes can reap a huge bounty from a contender who believes that they can go deep in the playoffs. Montreal has two excellent center prospects Beck and Hage who should make the team in the next several years. At 29, Evans doesn't fit the window that Hughes is building.

[@HabsTypeBeat]

The problem is you have to make it to that window. Buffalo has been trying to 20 years. Detroit and Ottawa for like 9 years.. You don’t just automatically become a contender because you drafted good players. It takes time and keeping these guys helps you get there quicker.

[@tonylloy327]

At 29 and the kind of player that Evans is (two-way, any situation player, PK magician, strong and getting stronger on faceoffs), he has 5 prime years left in that role. So my question is, when is this mystical 'Hughes window' imagined to be?

[@ronlagace7347]

He’s just starting to deliver and he’s 29. Trade for great value or sign. We’re short on centers.

[@Image1Nation]

He’s 28 and most players enter their prime at 27 unless they have superstar talent.

[@bobbyboucher-mt2kz]

We keep evans and hes not getting a pay raise he just started to be good we need those players

[@viper29ca]

Lol, he is UFA. If you come at him with the same contract he has now, he is going to walk as he knows he will get more elsewhere 4yrs, $4mil per. Don't think he stays for anything less than that

[@0neChecker]

Laine is reasonable guy, I beleave that he wants long contract like 6mil + 6mil first two years and then more money and years. He beleaves in Habs and wants the ring. Team is young and they have a head room to grow as a Team god knows how much. Armia takes years not that much money…

[@oasisbeyond]

Leki would do nothing here, he's playing with one of the best players in the world. He had no finish here. Also they got Hage for him in a way.

[@VioletDeliriums]

Are the Habs going to win a cup this year? Not likely. They can afford to trade certain players.

[@Downie1968]

Jake is having a career year but let’s be honest here guys he’s not worth more than 3.5 mil a season on the high side. He’s a 3 rd line center at best

[@DerekRendell]

I foresee Evans being traded, but I feel as tho Hughes will get a really big return for him. I also think Evans will get $3.75 - $4 million over 4 years on the market. Beck has the same toolbox and is ahead of where Evans was in his development at Beck's age. Beck has the higher ceiling, I say we go for the big package for Evans

[@HabsTypeBeat]

You can have both of them there are two bottom 6 centre spots. Evans allows Beck to ease into the role. Not to mention losing Evans creates a huge hole at centre and the role he plays is the most important one in a bottom 6. One of the better defensive centres and PKers in the league. If we let him go he’ll go on and win a cup somewhere.

[@viper29ca]

Let's not forget, we are losing a center in Dvorak. Sign Evans, move him to the 3C spot, Beck can then ease in to the role as the 4C

[@lau.yatming]

William Carrier is making 12 million for 6 years, that’s what I see for Jake Evans. We need to be creative…

[@convec1320]

Keep Evans please 3-4 years at something reasonable. He’s to valuable to this team. The rest of the UFAs can be traded.

[@MrDecelles]

You trade, they are going to have a pay increase with free agency and there is a lot of young players joining next year.

[@HabsTypeBeat]

Armia you move. He’s replaceable. Evans it’ll take Beck at least 3 years to fully replace what he brings.

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

@@HabsTypeBeat if it takes beck 3 years to develop you trade him we have been using the word "rebuild" for too long its time to start winning next season

[@HabsTypeBeat]

@@JeanJames-ff3wx It takes every player 3 years to develop.. you keep Evans and give Beck time. You can have Evans and Beck in the nhl next year. Most guys don’t become fully polished until they are at or near their prime.

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

@@HabsTypeBeat i hope ur right im stressed right now how its going to be the next two years

[@HabsTypeBeat]

@@JeanJames-ff3wx Next 2 years will be trying to make the playoffs. Demidov is going to come right in and have a big impact, he’s a gamebreaking player. That’ll be a huge boost to our top 6.

[@jerryrick4685]

Hes got 4 prime years left, sign him up to a 5 year

[@earlgilbert4025]

If Jake wants more than 3.8aav let him walk imo

[@matjohnson604]

2.875 x 4 =11.5 ......done and still able to move him in a year or 2 if a Beck or someone else overtakes him as the 4c

[@RealJMAC]

hey I'm new...and now im subscribed

[@mikeking-t2u]

Evans is going to want a longer deal than Hughes is willing to offer. His Family will come first and why wouldn’t he want to test free agency and get paid. He’s approaching 30 so this may be his last chance at making some dough. He’s going to do what’s best for him and imo he’s priced himself out if Montreal

[@nealmac9017]

You cant worry about turnover of bottom 6 guys. If you think evans is a future 2c,sign him. If u dont then you trade high

[@tonylloy327]

That's what the Leafs say every year. Not a coincidence they've only won one playoff round in the 'Matthews era'.

[@bedbath9056]

I am and was totally against trading Evans. Habs should keep Evans but Evans is asking way too much money. He is asking $4.5M, that's way too much but for $3M is acceptable. I say trade him and get 1st and 2nd, Owen Beck can become next Evans/Lekonnen or any bottom 6 forwards can become next Evans.

[@derekjhpeterson3882]

Trade Dvorak and a pick for Gourde. Sign Gourde to a hometown discount deal and use the money saved to sign Evans.

[@RadamHuSANE]

Evans is playing like we wanted KK to develop in to.

[@vdac1068]

“Oh no the bottom 6 is contributing Our 4th line centre is hitting his prime, is a penalty killing machine and scoring to boot” What a problem to have The cap is going up I would gladly pay Evans 3.0-3.5 for 5-6 years or 4.0 x 3 yrs Armia needs to go by next season unless Habs can trade Anderson Habs are stuck with Gally and Andy but right now that isn’t a problem Young kids in Laval / the Deputy , Tuck, Roy need a chance Beck can slot in for Dvorak But I see a world where if the Habs are in a wildcard spot come trade deadline They Hang onto their pending free agents Keep Armia, Dvorak, Savard and Evans as rentals that cost you nothing Savard and Evans should be re-signed regardless You can lose DVO or Evans but not both for next season Savard keep around until Reinbacher/ Mailloux are ready. I would bring him back 1-3 years at a very team friendly deal by year 2-3 he us your number 7-8 defenseman The only expendable player on this team today is Matheson The Habs are winning despite Matheson not because of Matheson Strubble could be a better partner for Hutson 5v5 and play better defensively, he is comfortable playing Right side Matheson serves 2-3 pizzas for every good pass, he is costing the team defensively, not bringing much offensively and is not the right partner for Hutson Habs have 5 LD on the roster and 2 RD It would be retarded to trade Savard unless team is really out of the mix at deadline If they are, sure flip him for assets and sign him in the offseason Same for Evans Armia, DVO & Matheson I don’t care to keep for next year

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

struble is a 7th d man at best

[@fredericf832]

Stop being stupid. An off the charts season doesn't mean it's his normal season. If he's overpaid it's a mistake

[@cornellbubush]

Extend a contact and trade him as well as Armia. These two are not our future thinking about our Laval guys.

[@jpsav7395]

Evans wears mike Ribeiro’s number 71, safe to assume he’s possessed by mike’s ghost.

[@severed111]

Trade Dvorak, but for god's sake keep Evans!