March 2, 2025
Touch decisions ahead for the Montreal Canadiens as trade deadline nears
The Montreal Canadiens will have a lot of decisions to make in the coming days, as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The Habs have five players that can become unrestricted free agents as of July 1st – and are in the midst of a playoff wildcard slot.
Trouble is – should Hughes and the Habs hold fast and hope to beat out a slew of other teams who are also in hot pursuit of the Detroit Red Wings and the Columbus Blue Jackets for the last two wildcard spots, or look to trade their assets for futures.
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Of the five players that can become unrestricted free agents, Jake Evans remains the most intriguing case, but decisions will also have to be made on what to do with forwards Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak and Michael Pezzetta as well defenseman David Savard.
The 28-year old Evans is rumored to be seeking a five-year contract from the Canadiens, at a cost of four million dollars per season. In 60 games this season, Evans has notched 12 goals – including an empty net tally last night in a victory over the Buffalo Sabres last night, and 16 assists for 28 points.
While the stats might not be stellar, Evans is a key component, alongside Joel Armia, on the Habs penalty killing squad. His defensive prowess is his strength and Hughes now has to make decisions on whether what Evans and Armia bring to the team can be easily replaced.
Kirby Dach’s season ending knee injury has given Owen Beck the chance to come up from the AHL’s Laval Rocket and prove himself – and has played very well since his recall. While Beck has only earned a solitary point so far, as assist on a Alex Newhook goal that Beck set up, his defensive positioning and awareness has been brilliant to the point that he may make it impossible for Habs brass to reassigned him to the his AHL team.
While Evans has had moments this season where he has shone brightly, Hughes will have to weigh his contract demands with what he brings and what a long-term extension would mean for upcoming prospects like Owen Beck – and Oliver Kapanen, who began the season with Montreal before being returned to his Swedish club.
Evans had moments of offensive brilliance earlier this season, but that has dried up and the center has only potted two goals, including an empty net tally last night versus Buffalo, in his last 24 games.
Decisions on veterans Christian Dvorak and David Savard might be easier to make, as Savard seems to be slowing down at this late stage of his career while Dvorak has been disappointing since joining the Canadiens in a trade from Arizona following the Jesperi Kotkaniemi debacle.
The Habs are just three points out of a wild card spot with five other teams within striking distance themselves – and the leagues trade deadline is just five days away.
The Habs are riding a four game winning streak into Monday night’s tilt with the Buffalo Sabres, but then face three strong western conference teams when they face the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames in the coming days.
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Hughes decisions will also need to factor in the message his action or lack of action will have on the psyche of his young team. Should he stand pat and let his team fight for a playoff spot, and risk losing assets come summertime, extend contracts and possibly hinder the growth of his team and block upcoming prospects – or even shop for help to make a stronger push for the post-season.
The NHL Trade deadline concludes on March 7th at 3pm.
Decisions, decisions!
