Now that Jake Evans’ NCAA career is over, the 21-year old forward wasted no time signing his first professional contract. The Montreal Canadiens today announced the two-year entry-level contract for Evans, getting him into their organization before he was eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. Evans lost the National Championship with Notre Dame over the weekend, ending an exceptional four years in the NCAA.
Evans, who served as captain this season for the Fighting Irish, was a better than point-per-game player for the second consecutive season. Recording 46 points in 40 games, he also took home the Spengler Cup title with Canada and was named to the Big-10 First All-Star Team. The two-way center has been described as a natural leader who should fight for a job with the Canadiens right out of camp this fall.
That’s where the excitement lies for Montreal fans, as the team has been notoriously thin down the middle the last few seasons. Though Evans doesn’t project as a top tier offensive player at the next level, he should be able to provide some stability to a group that needs healthy youthful bodies, and chip in at even strength and on the powerplay. Whether he jumps right to the NHL in October depends on what the Canadiens do this summer, but he’ll surely be given every opportunity to contribute in 2018-19.
If Montreal only adds one top 6 centre this off season, Evans should be in the mix for the 4C role. If they bring in two, he should be Laval’s 1C and first call up.