Insider Reveals Canadiens’ Main Target in Trade Market: Source

The Montreal Canadiens are seeking reinforcements to improve their poor start to the season and they’re looking for a particular player profile.

The Habs could be in the trade market for a top-four, right-handed defenseman, according to a source speaking with RG.org’s Marco D’Amico.

In order to land said player, the team may be open to trading Jake Evans if that helps facilitate the potential arrival of a defenseman.

“The Canadiens are looking for a top-4 right-shot defenseman, and I don’t know whether they would look to make that kind of move with Evans involved, but the word is they’re willing to get creative,” the source said.

As the Canadiens continue navigating a rocky start, Evans has emerged as one of their most reliable players, leading the first penalty kill unit and posting five points in 11 games.

Evans’ standout play hasn’t gone unnoticed by other teams, with the source speaking about “at least three teams” tracking the forward.

Although Evans’ production is undeniable and has helped the Habs to an extent, it could also make him a valuable asset for the Canadiens to leverage in their pursuit of defensive depth.

“The Canadiens have options in terms of being able to move either [Evans or Christian Dvorak], but I’m hearing Jake Evans’ name a lot more so far than Dvorak,” the source told D’Amico.

With Evans on an affordable $1.7 million contract and in his final season before reaching free agency, he should be an ideal rental option for cap-strapped contenders looking to bolster their forward corps depth.