Just days before the NHL trade deadline, rumors are swirling, and within the Montreal Canadiens organization, all eyes are on Joel Armia and Jake Evans.

These are likely the two players most expected to be traded by Friday night. However, now that the Canadiens are back in the thick of the famous “mix,” Kent Hughes reportedly has a very specific condition in mind regarding trades involving Armia and Evans.

Jake Evans and Joel Armia will not be traded unless the Canadiens receive a first-round pick

Wow! That is extremely interesting.

In a recent article on The Athletic, the excellent Arpon Basu mentioned the following:

“Everyone now knows that Jake Evans and Joel Armia will not be traded for anything less than a first-round pick, whether it’s for this year or, preferably, next year.

Jake Evans alone is unlikely to be traded for anything less than a second-round pick.

This winning streak is only encouraging Gorton and Hughes to stick to these prices, and if they aren’t met, to keep the players.

That’s what they are telling interested teams, and as the Canadiens get closer to a playoff spot, it only adds to their credibility.”

Arpon Basu

That definitely doesn’t sound like a general manager desperate to sell-far from it.

The plan seems pretty clear.

The Canadiens’ GM will trade Jake Evans and Joel Armia only on one condition, receiving a first-round draft pick for them.

I love hearing this, and it aligns with what TSN journalist Pierre LeBrun recently mentioned, revealing that Kent Hughes has been very clear with his fellow GMs.

His message is as follows:

“I am extremely comfortable with the idea of not trading Jake Evans and Joel Armia, so if you want them, you have to pay the price we’re asking. End of discussion.”

As reported earlier today, Hughes rejected a publicly revealed trade offer that didn’t meet his demands.

 

It’s shaping up to be an exciting Friday!