Insider Pierre LeBrun Reveals Asking Price for Potential Leafs Trade Target Jake Evans

The search for a third line center for the Maple Leafs is one the team has been on since the start of the season. Linked to names like Brock Nelson, Brayden Schenn, and Yanni Gourde -- it's clear the team is looking to improve.

But one name they could also look to grab is Jake Evans and while he plays for the Montreal Canadiens; there is no doubt he could help the Maple Leafs' depth.

Evans, 28, has 11 goals, 16 assists & a 52.2% face-off percentage in 55 games for the Canadiens this season and is in the final year of his three-year, $5.1M deal.

NHL Insider Pierre Lebrun has the inside scoop on what it'll take to acquire the forward and while it's not cheap -- it's a deal Toronto needs to make.

So it leaves us to wonder: Is Jake Evans worth the cost for the Maple Leafs?

In short: yes. Only two goals off tying his career-high, Evans would add the offense Toronto needs without sacrificing defense. He plays the penalty kill, could help out on the second PP unit, and can throw some hits as well which is always a Berube favorite.

Toronto needing to part with their 2nd round pick isn't the worst case scenario and it helps them avoid trading Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan, or their 2026 1st. It's unlikely the second round pick is a guarantee, and it's late anyways -- so no harm in passing it off.

The team is in win-now mode and the ability to acquire Evans on the cheap is a massive boost to a team who needs a player like him.

Evans has nearly as many goals as Nick Robertson and Max Pacioretty combined, and clears Pontus Holmberg, Connor Dewar, and Max Domi in the goal-scoring department. Why wouldn't you try and improve?

With his 56 shots on goal he would rank 9th on the team in that category, and would rank 2nd on the team with his 19.6% shooting. His style of play is what the Leafs need.

Brad Treliving and Kent Hughes need to have a long discussion regarding Jake Evans --Toronto needs to add him, and Montreal needs to add draft capital.

Put a century of rivalry aside and get Jake Evans in a Maple Leafs uniform ASAP.