The Winnipeg Jets have been linked to Montreal Canadiens’ Jake Evans and Chicago Blackhawks’ Ryan Donato ahead of the trade deadline.
Although NHL games are paused due to the 4 Nations Face-Off, rumours continue to swirl about who might be moved and where they might go.
For the Jets, many insiders believe they have an interest in the most available players. They’ve been linked to a plethora of defensemen, and recently, insiders have begun to report that they are looking at forwards as well.
The Fourth Period reported that the Jets are among the six teams that could be looking to acquire Evans at the deadline. The 28-year-old centre is enjoying a career-year offensively, scoring 11 goals and 27 points in 56 games. With the Jets, Evans likely wouldn’t play a top-six role but would be an efficient player in the bottom six.
Evans is in the final year of a very cost-efficient contract and will become a UFA following the conclusion of the season. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Canadiens and Evans have exchanged numbers on what an extension might look like, but they’re not close.
As discussed at intermission during on our Habs TSN broadcast, my understanding is Jake Evans and the Canadiens have exchanged numbers on what an extension might look like and they’re not close. Obviously things can change with one phone call, but as of now that makes it more…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 9, 2025
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also reported that the Canadiens would be looking to acquire a second-round pick for Evans.
On Montreal: Elliotte thinks they are looking for a 2nd round pick for Jake Evans, says teams are also looking at Joel Armia. Elliotte says “I think they’re very interested in making hockey trades.” Says he thinks they’d like to add an impact player for a prospect. #GoHabsGo #NHL pic.twitter.com/6Iq9eRgPLa
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) February 10, 2025
Donato, a 28-year-old winger and centre, has also been made available by the Blackhawks and is valued around the same price as Evans. Donato isn’t as potent defensively as Evans and doesn’t kill penalties, but Donato has been an offensive force on a weak Blackhawks team.
In 53 games, he’s scored 19 goals and 37 points, both career-highs. He currently leads the Blackhawks in goals and is third in points, trailing just Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen.
Donato is in the final year of his contract that pays him $2M annually and will become a UFA at the end of the season. The Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes are teams that reportedly have interest in Donato.
With the Jets, Donato would fit in nicely in their middle six, likely as a winger. He has the skill to play alongside Nikolaj Ehlers and also has the frame to play with Adam Lowry.
With the deadline quickly approaching, the Jets will be actively looking to improve their roster to go on a long playoff run.
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