The Montreal Canadiens have solidified their commitment to center Jake Evans by signing him to a four-year contract extension on March 4, 2025, worth $2.85 million annually, running through the 2028-29 season. This decision signals not only a positive outlook for Evans, who is enjoying his best season yet, but also demonstrates the Canadiens' strategy moving forward as they approach the NHL trade deadline.
Before the contract was announced, rumors swirled about the possibility of Evans being traded, with several teams including the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Wild contacting general manager Kent Hughes. The discussions hinted at the potential for Evans to be part of trade talks, particularly as teams looked to strengthen their penalty killing units before the playoffs. Despite this interest, the Canadiens held fast to their asking price, indicating they were not willing to compromise their demands.
Evans, 28, has been notable on the ice, tallying 12 goals and 16 assists over 61 games this season. His performance places him second among NHL forwards for shorthanded ice time, averaging 2:52 per game, and he is tied for third in the league with three goals scored during penalty kills. This kind of contribution goes beyond numbers, as he provides necessary stability and experience to the roster.
The general consensus among analysts is this contract extension is both prudent and forward-thinking. According to Pierre LeBrun, who tweeted about the extension, "Evans made the call he didn’t want to leave,” emphasizing the player's commitment to the Canadiens and their vision for the future. The deal showcases how Evans took what could be seen as a hometown discount. By opting for less than he could have received on the open market, Evans demonstrates faith in the direction the Canadiens are heading.
Hughes’ management has worked to rebuild the Canadiens’ image within the league—once seen as unwelcoming for players during the era of Marc Bergevin, the team now fosters open conversations and has established stronger relationships with their athletes. This connectivity has attracted players like Evans, who cited the desire to be part of something special being built within the organization.
Following the announcement, Evans expressed his excitement: "So excited for the next four years and so happy I get to stay here,” showing his appreciation for the team's environment. His sentiments were echoed by veteran forward Brendan Gallagher, who stated, "Jakey's a big part of our group, does so much for us," following their recent win against the Buffalo Sabres.
This contract also strategically positions the Canadiens to remain competitive as the NHL prepares for salary cap increase projected over the next few years. With Evans’ annual salary being below the market rate, the team can allocate resources more effectively, possibly luring higher-caliber talent as they look to bolster their roster.
Interestingly, Evans’ extension does not include any no-trade or no-movement clauses—an average practice for Hughes, who only granted such terms to goaltender Jake Allen recently. This opens the possibility for financial maneuverability and suggests Evans is firmly planted as part of the Canadiens' future plans rather than merely a stopgap solution.
Nonetheless, Evans’ contract pulls him off the market, potentially limiting trade activity for the Canadiens at the upcoming deadline. While players like Joel Armia or David Savard could still be traded, the likelihood of significant moves diminishes with Evans removed from the equation. Entering Tuesday's NHL action, the Canadiens sat one point outside of the playoff picture, with management prioritizing both immediate performance and long-term goals.
Evans’ notable contributions also include registering his 100th career NHL point on November 16, 2024, and playing his 300th NHL game on December 20, 2024. These milestones add to his profile, underlining his growth as both player and individual since his selection as the 207th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2014 NHL Draft.
With the trade deadline approaching on March 7, the Canadiens are poised to make strategic moves—but those will hinge on their overall evaluation of their roster and projections for the remainder of the season. Certain unrestricted free agents, such as forwards Christian Dvorak and Michael Pezzetta, still remain those who may be on the move, highlighting how building the future is as much about the present as it is about long-term planning.
For Evans, staying with the Canadiens exemplifies the balance between personal dreams and team ambitions. By continuing to build his career with Montreal, he not only fosters his professional aim but also contributes immensely to the growth of the franchise. This contract extension serves as both security for him and part of the broader narrative of resurgence for the Canadiens, leaving fans hopeful for the promise of brighter days on the ice.