Why Package Joel Armia with Jake Evans?

I saw Pierre LeBrun reported this could be in the works and I wonder why this is beneficial? Jake Evans is one of the most scouted players in hockey as we head into the deadline and Armia is having a career year. Unless they are getting a young, roster player who can be a real talent, this doesn’t make sense to me.

Jake Evans might not get a conditional first from a team, but you have to ask. Even if it's in 2027 as an example. Again, he’s having that kind of year and on his own completely affordable to any playoff contender. If you add Armia, even if the team retains a percentage of their salaries, you’re asking them to come up with 3 million plus. A lot of teams can’t do that unless you get a third team involved and then it narrows the teams’ options. 

Armia, as good a season as he’s having, didn’t impress in the Four Nations so his value probably isn’t as high as it once was. Why? Because he’s a strict fourth-liner and master penalty killer who can score some goals. That’s a lot more to consider for a team over Evans. You get what you can get for Armia. 

Let’s address getting a player rather than picks. I get the sentiment but sometimes that’s just not out there at the deadline, for the type of player the team is looking for. However, when you get more draft picks, bundling those for a player on draft day is more achievable and that’s still a good way for Kent Hughes to look at this.