Eastern Conference Rival Eyes Leafs' Potential Trade Target

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to just about every single potential center who has a strong chance of being moved out at this year's trade deadline. Multiple names have been reported as linked to the Leafs, including most prominently Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders.

Other names recently linked to Toronto include former Leaf Ryan O'Reilly, Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton, a hometown player, and another local in Ryan Strome more recently, as well as links to Mikael Granlund, & Nick Bjugstad.

A previous report indicated that what the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for in a center is a two-way player with both a good offensive game and also physically capable.

One recent name from a longtime rival could be a player soon to be on the Leafs radar as well as new reports indicate he could be on his way out depending on his next contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could be a trade partner with the rival Montreal Canadiens for center Jake Evans.

Evans, an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, has been linked to other clubs, including a recent report that indicates the New Jersey Devils have interest in him.

Jake Evans has been linked to Toronto as Montreal may end up selling Evans high with the 28-year-old coming off a career year, with 10 goals and 23 points in 40 games for the Canadiens, likely to break his career highs of 13 goals and 29 points in 2021-22.

It's of little surprise teams want to take a risk on Evans hot run, and as he's currently a cheap option, making just $1.7M until the end of this season, teams may be drawn to his value even without the intent of re-signing him.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has reported that the Canadiens have informed Jake Evans he will need to "compromise" in order to re-sign in Montreal, likely taking advantage of his sudden offensive output with higher contract demands.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, facing a tight budget, may value the fact Evans is currently a low-priced top-nine center having a strong year, but what he brings in terms of value at low cost will surely be just as enticing to just about every playoff contender in the league.