Jake Evans signs three-year contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have signed Jake Evans to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.7 million. Already signed for the current season, he is now secured until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

One of the final picks from the 2014 NHL Draft, Evans’s development path was a long one, with four years of play in the NCAA and then two in the AHL. He claimed a regular spot on the Canadiens last year, and his role and responsibilities will be elevated in 2021-22.

Evans probably could have demanded more money at the end of this season given his increased stature in the team, but he also has a history of injuries, specifically concussions, the latest of which was sustained in the playoff run last year. This deal gives him financial security, while allowing Marc Bergevin to sign him for less than he’d probably be worth after playing a full year in a third-line role.

Evans had 13 points in 47 regular-season games last year, and two in seven post-season contests. He’ll be looking to improve on those totals this year, and will get more capable wingers to help him toward that goal.