Canadiens Sign Jake Evans to a 4-Year Extention

The Montreal Canadiens announced that they have come to terms on a contract extension for Jake Evans. 

His new four-year deal will pay him an average of $2.85 million annually, and according to Chris Johnson of TSN, the deal does not include any trade protection. 

This comes amid serious trade interest in Evans leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reported that Montreal received a lot of interest in the 28-year-old centre, who is in the final year of a three-year contract worth $1.7 million annually.     

It’s no surprise that Evans has garnered interest on the trade market, as more than a few NHL teams desperately need help on special teams, especially on the penalty kill, if they want a deep playoff run. But with this signing, it’s safe to remove Evans’ name from the trade bait boards. 

Evans has 12 goals and 28 points in 61 games this season. He is also on pace to crush his previous career bests. He is on pace for career highs in goals (on pace for 16) and points (on pace for 38). Evans will remain with the only NHL organization he has ever known as he was selected by the Canadiens in the seventh round (207th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.