Canadiens, Jake Evans Expected to Finalize Four-Year Extension Ahead of Trade Deadline

May 24, 2025

Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans could be staying in Montreal longer than expected. Sportsnet analyst Eric Engels predicts the team and Evans will come to terms on a contract extension before the NHL trade deadline, avoiding the uncertainty of free agency.

In his latest mailbag, Engels suggests that the Canadiens will offer Evans a four-year, \$14-million deal, which would carry an average annual value (AAV) of \$3.5 million. This marks a significant raise from Evans’ current contract, which sees him earning \$1.7 million per season.

“They’d be going a year longer than they’d ideally want to, but a year less than they’d likely have to if they were bidding against other teams for his services,” Engels wrote. The implication is that both sides would be making a fair compromise—Evans secures term and a notable raise, while Montreal avoids entering a competitive bidding war in free agency.

Evans, 28, has continued to build a reputation as one of the league’s more effective bottom-six forwards. Though his offensive numbers are modest—he’s notched 8 goals and 15 assists so far this season—his standout penalty-killing ability and defensive reliability make him a valuable asset, especially in key situations and matchups.

With the NHL salary cap projected to rise significantly this offseason, many teams are eager to lock in players to manageable deals before the new cap figure is officially announced. A four-year, \$14-million agreement would be seen as cost-effective, especially if Evans continues to contribute across all special teams and in shutdown roles.

The Canadiens are in the midst of a multi-year rebuild but have made it clear they value veteran leadership and responsible two-way play as they integrate younger talent. Evans, drafted in the seventh round by Montreal in 2014, has emerged as a homegrown success story and fits the character mold the Canadiens are looking to build around.

While no deal is finalized yet, the expectation that Evans will remain a part of the Canadiens’ future seems to be gaining momentum. Should the contract come through as predicted, it would solidify Montreal’s bottom-six depth while maintaining financial flexibility under the expanding salary cap.

The trade deadline looms, but for Evans and the Canadiens, the focus might now be on building a long-term partnership rather than preparing for a departure.