Linesman Michel Cormier #76 holds back Jake Evans #71 of the Montreal Canadiens and Nick Cousins #21 of the Ottawa Senators (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Jake Evans’ breakout season has brought unexpected decisions to the forefront for the Montreal Canadiens. The 27-year-old center is on pace for over 50 points this season, a career-high that’s turning heads across the league. Despite his standout performance, the Canadiens have yet to engage in contract discussions with Evans, a pending unrestricted free agent this summer.
The hesitation isn’t due to a lack of appreciation for Evans’ contributions. His two-way play, elite penalty-killing skills, and versatility as a right-shot center—a rarity in the NHL—make him a valuable asset. However, Evans' breakout also complicates matters, especially for a rebuilding team like the Canadiens, who are balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term goals.
The Canadiens’ Rebuild Strategy
The Montreal Canadiens are firmly committed to their rebuild under general manager Kent Hughes, who has consistently emphasized building through the draft and maintaining financial flexibility. While the team has made strides in developing a young core, critical decisions loom as contracts for players like Jake Evans reach their expiration during peak value seasons.
Evans’ career year puts Montreal in a delicate position. His offensive production has surged, bolstered by a shooting percentage of 28.3%—well above the league average—which suggests potential regression. With his next contract likely commanding $4 million or more annually, Montreal must weigh his value against the long-term goals of their rebuild.
“The Montreal Canadiens are in a pickle,” said one source out of the Eastern Conference exclusively to RG. “Before the season started, a $3M deal for 3-4 years was attainable, but now? I don’t know. From what I’ve been hearing, Jake Evans is playing himself out of Montreal.”
Hughes’ strategy centers on avoiding excessive spending on bottom-six forwards—a key lesson for maintaining cap flexibility. Currently, the Canadiens have a crowded depth chart with contracts tied to several players in the lower part of the lineup. Allocating significant resources to Evans could complicate efforts to address more pressing needs, such as acquiring a true second-line center to solidify the roster's competitiveness.
“I like Jake Evans, but you can’t pay a 4th-line centre upwards of $3.5M on the long-term and hope to be competitive when it counts,” another source in the Western Conference noted.
By focusing on developing prospects and building through the draft, Montreal aims to cultivate a sustainable contender rather than rush into short-term fixes. Moving Evans for future assets at the peak of his value could provide the flexibility needed to secure long-term success, aligning with the Canadiens’ broader vision of remaining competitive for years to come.
A Crowded Depth Chart on the Horizon
Evans’ performance has undoubtedly boosted his value, but the Canadiens also have reinforcements coming up through the ranks who could fill his role in the near future. Owen Beck, the organization’s 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has been turning heads with the Laval Rocket this season. Beck’s exceptional hockey IQ and defensive reliability have made him one of Montreal’s top prospects.
With Beck steadily adjusting to the professional game in the AHL, the Canadiens view him as a natural fit for a bottom-six center role in the NHL as soon as next season. His ability to excel in high-pressure situations and contribute on both ends of the ice could make him an ideal replacement for Evans if the team decides to move on.
Meanwhile, Oliver Kapanen, another promising center in Montreal’s pipeline, is continuing his development overseas with Timrå IK in Sweden. Kapanen, a second-round pick in 2021, has been honing his skills in a competitive league, showing flashes of offensive creativity and strong defensive play. His size and strength down the middle offer the Canadiens an enticing option for the future, especially as he gains more experience against older, more physical competition.
Beck and Kapanen provide Montreal with low-cost, high-upside alternatives that align with their rebuild strategy. Both players are on track to challenge for NHL roles as soon as next season, giving the Canadiens some flexibility when evaluating Evans’ future.
A Tightrope Walk to the Deadline
As the trade deadline approaches, the Canadiens’ management must decide whether to keep Evans as part of their long-term plans or maximize his value while it’s at its highest.
“Outside of Granlund, he’s the most valuable centre on the market in my eyes at the moment,” said an NHL pro scout. “If he keeps up this pace, I think he could be worth a 1st-round pick for the Canadiens. His value on the PK alone is worth a 2nd-round pick to me.”
With the salary cap expected to rise this summer and an active trade market already taking shape, moving Evans could provide the Canadiens with the flexibility they need to address critical roster gaps.
“Getting that asset to help acquire a true top-six centre or another top-4 defenseman could make sense,” said the pro scout.
For now, the Canadiens seem content to wait and see, much as they did with Sean Monahan last year. But as Evans continues to shine, the pressure to make a decision—whether to re-sign him or trade him—will only intensify.
Whether Evans stays in Montreal or becomes a sought-after piece at the trade deadline, his breakout season has already made a lasting impact. Now, the Canadiens must determine how to capitalize on it.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
