Jake Evans Extension
Marc Bergevin extended the contracts of three of the Canadiens’ higher-profile restricted free-agents, with the first one being Jake Evans. Evans, a 2014 7th round draft pick, has steadily progressed through his 4 years in the NCAA with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and in the past 2 seasons as a pro, spending most of his time with the Laval Rocket. He did, however, break into the Canadiens’ starting lineup following the trading of Nate Thompson at the trade deadline.
In 13 regular-season games, Evans notched two goals and an assist; more importantly, though, he looked good in his role. He is defensively responsible and has some offensive flair which made the previously dull fourth-line more enjoyable to watch. He has a fairly sturdy frame at 6’0″ and 185 lbs and is quite quick as well. In the playoffs, Evans entered the lineup for the opening game against the Flyers and kept his spot for the entire series, showcasing a simple yet effective game and even got a fair few shifts on the right side of the third line when injuries occurred. He signed a two-year extension with an AAV of $750 000, great value if he retains a role in the Habs lineup.
Grade: A
Noah Juulsen Extension
Noah Juulsen is the second of this group; he signed a 1-year $700 000 contract. I believe I speak for most Habs fans when I say that I really hope this is Juulsen’s year. He has had the absolute worst injury luck and was just starting to look like a legitimately good #5 defenceman when he was sidelined. This contract is undoubtedly a prove-it deal, and Juulsen should get a shot in the NHL this season.
Juulsen is now waiver eligible, so if his training camp is good, he will likely either find himself on the third pairing or as the 7th defenceman; and if he does get waived, he could very well get claimed and see some decent playing time wherever he lands. Whatever does end up happening, I just hope Juulsen stays healthy and gets to play this season.
Grade: B+
Victor Mete Extension
Last, but not least, is Victor Mete, who has lived a turbulent NHL career thus far, playing long stretches on the top pairing and then chunks of time on the third pairing, even playing on his off side during the play-ins/play-offs a few months ago. With the addition of Joel Edmundson and the arrival of Alexander Romanov, it is unclear where both he and Brett Kulak fit in the lineup. While Romanov might play a year in Laval, he could just as well prove his worth as an NHL defenceman.
Even if Romanov is not in the picture this season, Shea Weber, Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry and Joel Edmundson likely lock down the top-4 spots, leaving Mete and Kulak to fight with Cale Fleury and Noah Juulsen for the remaining two roster spots. Wherever Mete does end up slotting, his 1-year $735 000 contract is a bargain given what he has accomplished in the NHL as a 22-year-old.
Grade: A-
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