Jake Evans Makes Shocking Revelation on Extension Talks With Canadiens

Off to the best start of his career, middle-six center Jake Evans has been a key player for the Montreal Canadiens on their recent three-game win streak entering Monday night's play. His defensive shut-down abilities and play on the penalty kill have been invaluable assets.

But Evans is on an expiring contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent unless he and the Habs can agree on an extension.

One would think, given his play, that those contract talks would be going in a positive direction. But Evans gave a shocking response when asked about it:

“Still crickets,” was his reply. No talks.

The 28-year-old will be a much sought-after commodity at the trade deadline if the Canadiens can't come to an agreement with him before then.

Evans is on pace for 17 goals and 47 points, which would blow away his previous career highs.

Back-to-back games with a goal for Jake Evans! 🔥

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“You start to understand your role and where you’re going to fit in and where you’re going to bring value to a team,” Evans said this past weekend. “Sometimes it takes guys half a season, but for me, moving up and down the lineup, you don’t really know what kind of player you’re supposed to be, and now I feel like I’ve finally found it.”

His coach, Martin St. Louis, agrees.

“Jake brings a sense of calm to the ice. When he’s on the ice against the other teams’ best lines, or he’s on the penalty kill, you know he’s always going to do the job".

So now it's up to the Habs to do their job at the negotiating table. As Evans raises his importance in the Habs' lineup, at the same time, his value on the trade market is going in a northerly direction as well.

A big decision for the Canadiens coming over the next few weeks.