Rumblings from the NHL rumor mill suggest a Western Conference contender is making a bold, “all-in” push for not one, but two Montreal Canadiens players: star winger Mikko Rantanen and reliable bottom-six forward Jake Evans.

While the Avalanche would undoubtedly demand a king’s ransom for a player of Rantanen’s caliber – a consistent point-producer and power forward – the interest signals a clear desire from this unnamed Western team to significantly bolster their offensive firepower and depth.

Adding Evans alongside a superstar like Rantanen suggests a multifaceted approach, aiming to acquire both a game-breaking talent and a defensively responsible forward who can contribute throughout the lineup.

This potential blockbuster pairing indicates the contender believes their window to win is now, and they’re willing to pay a hefty price to acquire significant pieces from a Canadiens team likely still in a rebuilding phase. The next few weeks could be very interesting if this aggressive pursuit gains further traction.

We have two interesting developments in the NHL trade market involving forwards Mikko Rantanen and Jake Evans. According to various sources, including RG, the Los Angeles Kings are reportedly “all-in” on acquiring these two forwards.

So don’t be surprised if Evans AND Rantanen are traded to the Kings in the coming days.

Mikko Rantanen and Jake Evans: the Kings are “all-in”

“Even though the Canadiens are right back in the playoff race, Jake Evans remains a highly coveted player, with multiple teams showing interest.

One of those teams is reportedly the Los Angeles Kings, where former Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin now works.”

Mathis Therrien

That is indeed what has just been reported. The Kings are being very aggressive over the phone in their pursuit of these two players.

Trades: Development for Jake Evans and Mikko Rantanen involving the Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are thinking big ahead of the 2025 trade deadline:

 

It is worth noting that Mikko Rantanen reportedly has no intention of signing a contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes by Friday, which could force the Canes to trade their recent acquisition from the Colorado Avalanche.

 

This will be an interesting situation to monitor, but the Kings’ two main targets at the moment appear to be Jake Evans and Mikko Rantanen.

As for Evans, especially following the Canadiens’ recent winning streak, it will be fascinating to see what Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton decide to do with him.