The Montreal Canadiens are weighing the future of Jake Evans, a defensive center whose offensive zone deployment is notably limited. With an offensive zone percentage of just 28.6%, significantly below his career average of 37.3%, questions arise about his potential effectiveness if given more opportunities to score. Currently, Evans has accumulated 23 points in 40 games, highlighting a notable scoring streak with 10 goals, although his shooting percentage sits at a remarkable 28.6% with less than one shot per game.
Despite his contributions, there are persistent trade rumors surrounding Evans, reflecting his recognized value in the league. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks are likely to make moves, particularly with defenseman Brian Dumoulin, who they may look to trade following his acquisition from Seattle. Dumoulin's moderate cap hit and versatility on defense make him an attractive option for teams seeking depth as the playoff push intensifies.