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The Canadian must not mix up the Kirby Dach and Jake Evans files
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
The Canadian must not mix up the Kirby Dach and Jake Evans files
Credit: Getty Images
A little earlier this morning, I was writing a piece in which I talked about Jack Hughes’ injury in New Jersey.

The point of the text? The Devils have the right to be interested in Jake Evans (it was probably already the case to some extent), but not to replace Jack Hughes in case of a long absence.

Why? Because, obviously, it’s not the same player.

Well, know that the lesson also applies to the Canadiens. After all, Jake Evans’ file should not be managed based on what’s happening on the team’s top-6.

And here, I’m referring to Kirby Dach’s injury, whose season is over – and whose future with the Canadiens is more uncertain than ever.

In recent days, we’ve seen how much the number two center position is a problem in Montreal. We already had an idea, you might say, but the last few days have made it even clearer.

But we must not make the mistake of thinking that we need to sign Jake Evans even more because of Dach’s injury. Why? Because a center on the top-6 and Jake Evans are apples and oranges.

The Canadiens, who probably want to make a hockey trade for a top center by the start of next season (so either by Friday or this summer), should not keep Evans just because of Dach.

They should keep Evans / let him go based on what Evans is asking for and what other teams are offering. Dach has no bearing on Evans’ contract file and Kent Hughes should not let the player gain leverage in discussions because of Dach.

Yes, of course, Dach’s injury affects the Canadiens in the coming days on the market, but it shouldn’t affect Jake Evans’ salary negotiations. That’s the nuance… and that’s where files shouldn’t be mixed up.

And if the Canadiens want to go get a center now, they should do it… for the future. All the better if it can help the present (that would be ideal), but the focus should still be on the long term for the next few days.

Kent Hughes’ challenge will be to balance the present and the future in the coming days. And to do that, each file must be managed individually by the general manager.

If Jake Evans’ best value is on the trade market and David Savard’s best value is in Montreal, so be it.

Let’s note that right now, Jake Evans, Joel Armia, David Savard, and Christian Dvorak are the players who are most likely to leave the Canadiens by the end of the week. But that doesn’t mean they will leave.

With the Canadiens being three points away from the playoffs, a win tonight against the Sabres would send a strong message to the front office. But maybe the decisions have already been made, that being said.


in rapid fire

– Well done.

– I have no doubt.

– The Panthers are to be watched.

– Logical.

– Who will move on the market?

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