January 9, 2025 | 1:00pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

DEVILS INTERESTED IN MONTREAL’S EVANS

Jake Evans, centre

The New Jersey Devils would like to add to up front this season and may be trying to acquire a centre between now and the March 7 trade deadline.

As per PuckPedia, the Devils have just over $2.4 million in current salary cap space and GM Tom Fitzgerald could add a centre to his bottom-six.

On Thursday afternoon’s “Early Trading” segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun reported the Devils are one of the teams interested in Montreal Canadiens centre Jake Evans, who is having a career year.

“The Devils are among the teams that have already kicked tires on Jake Evans,” LeBrun said. “The Devils are looking for a centre.”

Evans, 28, is in the final year of a three-year, $5.1 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He currently ranks No.8 on the TFP Trade Watch List.

The Canadiens have started contract discussions with Evans’ agent about an extension, but the team is also entertaining trade inquiries.

It is unclear who else the Devils may be looking to acquire this season, but Evans’ $1.7 million cap hit makes him that much more of an appealing asset to pursue.

In 40 games with the Canadiens so far this season, Evans has registered 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points.