The Montreal Canadiens have locked up centre Jake Evans to a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Tuesday.

The deal, which kicks in next season, will keep Evans with the Canadiens through the 2028-29 campaign, and is worth a total of US$11.4 million. The 28-year-old Toronto native will earn an average annual value (AAV) of $2.85 million.

Evans was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, fueling speculation that he could be moved before the NHL trade deadline. However, the Canadiens have now committed to Evans, reinforcing his importance to the team moving forward. Evans expressed his excitement for the future, saying in a video posted to social media, “So excited for the next four years and so happy I get to stay here.”

The extension is a well-deserved recognition of Evans’ consistent contributions on both ends of the ice. In 61 games this season, Evans has posted 12 goals and 16 assists, totaling 28 points — just one shy of his career-high. His offensive production is notable, but it is his defensive prowess that truly sets him apart. Evans is one of the most reliable forwards on Montreal’s penalty kill, ranking second among NHL forwards in short-handed ice time with an average of 2:52 per game. His commitment to defensive responsibility has earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

Veteran forward Brendan Gallagher praised Evans’ work ethic and reliability, saying, “Jakey’s a big part of our group, does so much for us… we love Jakey, we love to have him around.” Evans’ value to the team is undeniable, and the Canadiens are eager to keep him in the fold for the long term.

Evans was originally drafted by Montreal in the seventh round of the 2014 NHL Draft, 207th overall. Over the course of his career with the Canadiens, he has appeared in 329 games, tallying 39 goals and 81 assists. Evans is currently in the final year of a three-year, $1.7 million annual contract, which made him a candidate for trade speculation. With the new extension, the Canadiens have ensured that Evans will remain a key part of their future.

While Evans’ contract situation is now settled, Montreal has other pending unrestricted free agents, including forwards Christian Dvorak and Michael Pezzetta, as well as defenceman David Savard, all of whom could be moved ahead of the trade deadline.

As of Tuesday, the Canadiens (30-26-5, 65 points) were just one point outside of a playoff spot, with their sights set on making a push for the postseason in the coming weeks.