What is Jake Evans’ ceiling with the Montreal Canadiens?

Jake Evans has produced at every level he’s played, and if the Montreal Canadiens choose to, he could have an impactful role in the NHL.

Once you get into the depths of the NHL Draft, the chances of hitting on prospects decrease. The Montreal Canadiens found a gem in Jake Evans as he was taken in the seventh round of the 2014 NHL Draft 207th overall. That year saw Evans dominate the OJHL putting up 16 goals and 47 assists for 63 points in 49 points ahead of his path down the NCAA road.

Evans ended his college career as captain of the University of Notre Dame putting up 41 goals and 97 assists in 158 NCAA games. His team also won back-to-back Big Ten Hockey championships while the Toronto-native was named to the league’s first All-Star Team.

After signing his entry-level contract with the Habs, the next step was the professional world. Evans made his AHL debut in the 2018-19 season, where his 45 points in 67 games were second on the Laval Rocket. The next season saw him lead the team with 13 goals and 24 points, but he also saw NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens.

It was only 13, but Evans put a lot on the table worth exploring further. He’s earned the trust and confidence from the coaching staff to kill penalties on the team and is in the right spots defensively such that he isn’t a liability. We know Evans has the skill, and he showed it in bursts with the shots he took while his goal against the Florida Panthers was a great display of skating and hockey IQ.

Jake Evans may not be a confirmed NHL top-six, but he’s shown signs of having the ability to play that high given the Habs’ system and expectations of their forward. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play in the top-nine next season. Getting penalty kill time is very reassuring as he was an all-situation player in college and with the Laval Rocket and seeing that consistency is a good sign for what the organization feels they can get from him.

Even if Evans starts the season on the fourth line, he’ll still squeeze the most out of those minutes. His strength on the forecheck is a staple of the Habs’ style of play, and his years of playing centre have established a strong tendency to take care of the defensive end of the puck first before focusing on offence.

If the Montreal Canadiens chose to trade Paul Byron or Jordan Weal and insert Evans, there wouldn’t be any loss in execution. He’ll need time to shore up the rest of his scoring, but the Habs have a 30-40-point guy in their midst who can at least put up double-digit numbers down the line.

Roster room may keep him in the AHL longer than usual, but the Habs’ scouting staff should be proud of themselves for finding Jake Evans and allowing him to grow.

When you’re the fourth last pick of a draft, many automatically write you off. Evans has fought and worked to be where he is today, and it’ll definitely pay off one day.