Can Jake Evans step up and become the Montreal Canadiens’ second-line centre (2C)? In this vepisode, Coach look at Evans’ role, skill set, and whether he has what it takes to handle bigger minutes and tougher matchups in the NHL. With the Canadiens still searching for a long-term 2C behind Nick Suzuki, many Habs fans wonder if the answer could already be in the lineup.
We’ll analyze Evans’ numbers, defensive game, offensive upside, and chemistry with Montreal’s top forwards like Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Alex Newhook. We’ll also compare Evans to other potential 2C options, both within the Habs organization and around the league, to see where he truly stands.
From Martin St. Louis’ coaching system to Evans’ history of clutch performances, this deep dive looks at both the positives and the limitations of giving him a top-six role. Is he being underestimated — or is he better suited as one of the NHL’s best shutdown third-line centres?
Whether you’re a Habs fan, an NHL follower, or a hockey stats junkie, this discussion will give you the full picture.
#GoHabsGo #JakeEvans #MontrealCanadiens #Habs #NHL #HockeyTalk #NHLRumors
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26 Comments
Because he’s not good enough?
I don't mind Evans as a player. There definitely isn't any harm in the experiment. My priority is that the team doesn't slip back. Hopefully, the majority of players will improve.
evans doesn't have the necessary talent to play 2C. if he's our best option, we're desperate.
i'm totally fine with him at 3C or 4C, roles he's better suited to.
thats the same reason u told me in comment…the same reason when even Carey Price add a shot to play with Cole and Suzy. The trade off to lose him from 3slash 4c was to big.
But now!!! the only trade off is where u put Bolduc…on the 4eme?( Gally,Newhook,Anderson is 3eme) like Velano,Blais ,Bolduc…wait a minute , do you see what I see with that 4eme line?holy shit I want Evans 2c more then ever now.
here a video idea….what about the french connection?
Let's give dach a chance to get past bad stretch He has the goods to fill that 2c role, patience, everybody.
I prefer Evans as 2C than Newhook honestly.
Newhook is my second option behind Dach! Newhook's speed could give Demidov more options and opportunities. .
Didn't Hughes say they wanted a 2C who played with an edge-not Evans
Look at Evan's performance before and after he signed his big extension
Can the Habs afford a 2c who is disparu in the post season?
too much common sense coach.
evans is a very hard worker. we are lucky to have him, hell i think we got a 'hometown discount' on his latest contract. great 7th round pick.
Evans as 2c is why you're on youtube and not in the NHL
Jake is fast, he's good, can be disruptive but doesn't have the offensive skills to be second line center.
I was saying the exact same thing. Why not try him on the second line with Laine and Demidov?
Reliable whatever you ask he has done . McTavish will give 80 points. Evans will give a team 50 points. Thats 30 points for 7 million dollars and we compromise our future of Hage. That,s a major waste while rebuilding …. Evans goes back to the third line mid season and still a competent star. Hage still a future star and 7m dollars richer ………
Great idea
coz dach is better…not in the faceoffs but everything else
That's a great take on Evans. In my eyes, he's got more finishing skills than Newhook.
I’m a Jake Evans fan, and I have no doubt he can do well on an offensive line. Last season wasn’t the first time he’s been given that role and done well; I remember a few years back when a Monahan–Evans–Anderson line performed great.
The challenge is that Evans is usually assigned the toughest minutes: strong competition with heavy defensive-zone deployment. Ideally, you wouldn’t want to expose Demidov to that kind of usage. But if Evans is taken away from those defensive assignments, who takes them on? You don’t want Suzuki and the first line burning energy on defensive-zone faceoffs.
Last season, Evans and Dvorak handled nearly all the defensive-zone draws. With Dvorak gone and Evans maybe getting more offensive minutes alongside Demidov, who takes them? Newhook isn’t strong enough defensively or on faceoffs, Dach has similar limitations, and younger players like Beck or Kapanen aren’t ready for that role.
Evans isn’t talented enough to be a 2C…. Simple as that.
It's about time we started talking about Jake is the number to see
Everyone is so focused on the “2nd” line, but I don’t think that there’s going to be much difference in ice time between the “2-4” lines. Aside from the first line, Marty evenly rolls the lines depending on situation and performance. Evans was 5th amongst forwards in avg TOI, with a high percentage of those minutes on the PK or in late game situations.
I can easily see Demi-Evans-Bolduc as a line. And the other lines potentially being Newhook-Kap-Laine and Andy-Dach-Gally. Does it matter which line is “#2”? They’re all going to get about the same ice time.
Demi…Slav…Laine first line powerplay?
If he can give them 45 pts at second line center, then it’s be better than what we’ve had since Danault. The thing is he might not be a “2nd line” center, but he is their “2nd best” center at this point, he should get the playing time that comes with it. At least until someone proves they’re better. Still doesn’t change my mind on McTavish though, I just think he’ll be a better player than Reinbacher or Hage, that’s all. But if we keep our guys, I hope I’m wrong. Go Habs Go
The biggest reason I would not entertain Evans being the number 2C is just how good he is at defensive matchups
He is the most used FWD on PK and in my opinion should use the top 6 FWD’s on PP and bottom 6 on PK
Also I don’t see Evans having the offensive iQ to play with Demidov & Laine
I would however rather see Evans over Newhook as 2C at least the line would start with the puck with Evans
To me Dach will get the opportunity, if he isn’t ready or faulters then I would try Veleno as 2C
Kapanen, Bolduc, Demidov, can also get looks
Andy – Evans – Gally can be their shut down checking line against anyone in the league
Bolduc – Veleno – Newhook another checking line
Laine – Dach – Demidov might be how they start as the second line
Training camp will dictate how it starts and the first 25-30 games might be the limit of patience if it isn’t working
Also the first clip of Evans scoring was a 4th line goal cuz last time I checked Pezzetta to his right isn’t a second line player
And you ended the video saying Jake Allen instead of Jake Evans 😂
Pens will Tank then MTL has chance to get the Kid next year what will he cost?
I’ve been saying Evan for 2C since the beginning of summer. The guy is a perfect fit for Demidov imo. He brings a better consistency at the dot. Also has the defensive awareness required for that position. Than any other player on the roster not named Suzuki. He provide the security that allows Demidov to run wild. Try telling me that Evan’s doesn’t have the skill to get himself open where he can fill empty nets. He scores more than a Caufield in this scenario.
I can see that working temporarily but the Habs management seems set on giving Dach the first crack at it. Makes sense since he is in his last year and Evans is signed for 4