During the match between the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, an unexpected statement from Renaud Lavoie created shock waves in the world of Montreal hockey.
According to Lavoie, Jake Evans will sign a contract extension with CH. The terms put forward by the analyst? A 3-year contract at $3 million per season.
This bold announcement comes as the Jake Evans file is at the heart of all discussions. After mentioning the famous “still crickets”, to explain that there were no negotiations with Kent Hughes, Evans publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence of negotiations between his camp and the management of the Canadian.
If Lavoie is to be believed, this silence could soon be broken. But this supposed agreement, if confirmed, raises crucial questions for both parties.
At 28 years old, Jake Evans is having the best season of his career. With 10 goals and 13 assists in 38 games, he is on track to shatter his personal best and cross the 50-point mark over a full season.
His impact goes beyond the numbers: Evans is an essential cog on CH’s special teams, particularly on the penalty kill, where he leads the NHL among forwards in playing time.
However, there is one important nuance: his shooting percentage of 33%, an unusually high return compared to his career average of 8.5%. This leaves doubt about the sustainability of his offensive production.
Add to this his imminent status as an unrestricted free agent (UFA), which would allow him to test the free agent market from July 1.
With his current performance, Evans could easily obtain a contract worth $4 million per year over a period of 5 to 7 years, as was the case for Jean-Gabriel Pageau when he left Ottawa for New York.
But according to Renaud Lavoie, Evans would be ready to give up part of these millions to stay in Montreal. A decision that says a lot about his attachment to the organization, but which also carries risks.
During his segment during the match, Lavoie dropped his bombshell: Jake Evans wants to stay in Montreal, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton want to sign him.
It will be 3 years minimum and 9 million, claims Lavoie.
This statement contrasts radically with recent rumors and the very words of Evans, who had affirmed that no discussion had yet been started between his agent and the management of the CH.
His famous “still crickets”, launched with a touch of frustration, resonated like a call to action. How to move from this heavy silence to an imminent understanding?
For Lavoie, the scenario is clear: CH is ready to offer a reasonable extension to Evans, while maintaining a certain financial prudence.
In return, Evans would agree to a compromise, giving up several millions he could have gotten on the free agent market. But would this decision really be a win-win for both parties?
From the perspective of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, a 3-year contract at $3 million per season would be a strategic win.
Evans is a reliable player, respected in the locker room, and crucial on special teams. By keeping its services at a reasonable price, the Canadian avoids overpaying for a production which may not be maintained at this level in the years to come.
In addition, this agreement would allow the CH to maintain a certain financial flexibility, essential in the context of their reconstruction.
With young talents like Owen Beck ready to move up, it is crucial not to clog up the wage bill with overly ambitious long-term contracts.
However, this strategy carries a risk: if Evans returns to more modest production after this exceptional season, even a contract of $3 million per year could be seen as a financial burden.
For Evans, taking on this contract means giving up the possibility of a big, long-term contract on the free agent market.
With his current performance, he could have landed a contract worth $4 million per year over 5 to 7 years, guaranteeing his financial security for the rest of his career.
By agreeing to stay in Montreal, Evans is banking on his loyalty to an organization that drafted and developed him.
But this decision could also be influenced by an attachment to the team and his teammates, as well as his key role in the current roster.
However, Evans is also taking a gamble: to prove that this season is not a flash in the pan and to deserve an even more lucrative extension at the end of this next contract.
Although Renaud Lavoie has a solid reputation for his information, it remains possible that his comments reflect more of an optimistic interpretation than a certainty.
After all, contract negotiations in the NHL are often unpredictable, and several factors could still influence the outcome of this matter.
If Evans ultimately decides to test the market, the CH will have to quickly consider a trade before the trade deadline.
With his current value, Evans could bring home a first-round pick or a promising young prospect. Kent Hughes, known for his ability to “sell at the top of value,” could exploit this situation to strengthen the Habs’ rebuild.
Renaud Lavoie’s bold statement added a new dimension to the Jake Evans case. If an extension to 3 years and $3 million materializes, it would be a strategic compromise for the Canadian and a proof of loyalty on the part of Evans.
However, uncertainties surrounding his future production and potential opportunities in the free agent market make this decision tricky.
For the Canadian, the objective is clear: maximize the value of a player on the rise, whether through a reasonable extension or a lucrative trade.
For Evans, it’s a choice between the security of a short-term contract in Montreal and the potential of a big contract elsewhere.
Regardless, this issue will continue to be talked about in the weeks to come, and the ball is now in the court of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton to write the rest of this story.
Time is running out, and the decisions made will have major repercussions on the future of the Montreal Canadiens.
But Lavoie persists and signs: we can relax. Evans will stay in Montreal.
