Montreal pursues a left-handed center who can win big faceoffs and shore up the middle, especially on the penalty kill, as the Atlantic tightens into an arms race. Dach appears as a long-term fit, but injuries and fit complicate the fit alongside Suzuki, Newhook, and Evans. With Dvorak gone, Montreal needs a trusted 2C who can relieve Suzuki and lift the lineup toward consistent playoff contention.

The market is thin; Vancouver and Winnipeg are natural buyers, yet the cost will be steep. Kent Hughes will be calculated, timing moves with season-start results, so a trade could come before Montreal truly stalls but only if the price aligns with the return required to be a playoff team.

Logan Thompson's performance in Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens was pivotal in securing a 3-1 victory, showcasing his elite goaltending skills, especially in the critical third period. Despite a moment of confusion regarding a key save that actually hit the post, Thompson rose to the occasion, making crucial stops during intense moments, including a remarkable save against Josh Anderson during a 2-on-0 rush. His contributions not only prevented the Canadiens from equalizing but also energized the crowd, earning him the first star of the game.

Returning from injury, Thompson demonstrated his readiness and resilience, having previously been sidelined after a mask incident. His commitment to maintaining peak performance and readiness for playoff action has paid off, especially given the Capitals' reliance on him as their number one goaltender. Coach Spencer Carbery highlighted Thompson's desire to play during the playoffs, reinforcing the trust placed in him following a significant contract extension earlier in the season. As the series progresses, Thompson's ongoing performance will be crucial for the Capitals' playoff aspirations.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes opted against a trade deadline fire sale, a departure from previous years, as the team rallied with five straight wins, showing they were still in the playoff hunt. Hughes retained key unrestricted free agents, including David Savard and Christian Dvorak, rewarding the team's recent performance. This decision came after a period of struggles, where Hughes believed player performance would dictate trade actions, affirming his commitment to building a competitive roster.

Captain Nick Suzuki expressed frustration over the past trend of players leaving at the trade deadline, which Hughes acknowledged, stating that the players needed to hold themselves accountable. With the Canadiens vying for a playoff spot, Hughes' decisions signal a shift in strategy, focusing on retaining talent and building for the future with 12 draft picks at their disposal.

The Montreal Canadiens face a pivotal moment as they approach the trade deadline. With their playoff aspirations alive, sitting just one point out of a playoff spot, the temptation to retain veteran players is strong. However, the organization must prioritize future gains over short-term success. The Habs' decision to re-sign Jake Evans suggests a commitment to their competitive window, but the urgency of trading older assets like David Savard and Joel Armia should not be underestimated.

Both Savard and Armia, while valuable in the current season, represent opportunities to acquire future assets through trade. Holding onto them in hopes of a playoff push may lead to a loss of these assets to free agency without compensation. The Canadiens have already demonstrated resilience and growth in their young core, proving they can maintain competitiveness even in the absence of these veterans.

The Montreal Canadiens have made a bold move by extending center Jake Evans, highlighting their commitment to both present competitiveness and future potential. With the team just a point shy of a playoff spot, General Manager Kent Hughes chose to retain Evans, a crucial depth player, amidst ongoing trade interest. This decision comes on the heels of the injury to Kirby Dach, complicating the center depth for the Canadiens. Hughes, along with Jeff Gorton, communicated their intent to keep the team competitive this season, rejecting the temptation to trade a player pivotal in their recent five-game winning streak.

Evans, who signed a four-year, $11.4 million contract, may not be a top-six forward, but his role as a reliable depth player is critical for any playoff-bound team. Retaining him sends a strong message to the younger players about the direction of the franchise, ensuring they can learn and grow in a competitive environment. The Canadiens are betting on their young core while aiming to remain in the playoff race, believing that depth players like Evans can make a significant impact in the postseason.