Canadiens, Jake Evans agree to 4-year extension

The Montreal Canadiens and pending unrestricted free-agent center Jake Evans agreed to terms on a four-year extension with an average annual value of $2.85 million, the team announced Tuesday.

His new pact doesn't include any trade protection, according to TSN's Chris Johnston.

Evans has potted 12 goals - including five game-winners - and 28 points in 61 games this season. He's also been serviceable on faceoffs, winning 52.8% of his draws, and he ranks second among all NHL forwards in average shorthanded ice time (2:52 minutes). Evans has scored three goals and three assists on the penalty kill this campaign.

The 28-year-old is on pace to establish new career highs in goals (16) and points (38).

He's likely off the trade market with his new deal in hand. The New Jersey Devils were reportedly among the clubs eyeing Evans in January, while Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli believes the Washington Capitals tried to pry him away from Montreal at the 2024 NHL Draft in exchange for a second-round pick.

Evans is playing out the final season of a three-year deal with a $1.7-million cap hit. Montreal selected him in the seventh round of the 2014 draft, and he's amassed 120 points in 329 career outings for the club.

Montreal entered Tuesday's action just one point behind the Red Wings for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, though Detroit has played one fewer game.

The Habs currently have an 11.6% chance of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since they made the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, according to MoneyPuck. They've won five straight games and will take on the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.