Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

We don’t talk enough about Jake Evans when discussing the Montreal Canadiens’ draft successes, but that’s not all.

Maybe it’s because he’s not the flashiest player, but in my opinion, he’s clearly one of the best late-round picks of the last decade for the Habs.

When you manage to draft a guy like him 207th overall, that’s definitely a major steal.

Since 2014, there have been a few 6th- and 7th-round picks who’ve made it to the NHL, but Jake Evans is at the top of the list.

The numbers clearly show that Jake Evans is one of the best late-round draft picks of the past 10 years in the NHL, no less

He ranks 11th in games played, 9th in goals, and 11th in points among all players drafted that late.

That’s solid. These aren’t superstar numbers, but for a guy picked that far down, it’s not bad at all.

He didn’t just crack the lineup.

He’s recognized as a reliable, smart, and useful player in all situations.

He gets the job done on the penalty kill, takes important faceoffs, and even has some offensive punch when paired with the right teammates.

On top of that, Jake Evans is a guy who truly represents what Martin St-Louis wants for his team: heart, effort, and hockey IQ.

He gives everything he’s got every night, and that’s why I think he’s so appreciated by the fans.

It’s also proof that in recent years, the Canadiens have been drafting better.

With prospects like Ivan Demidov, Jacob Fowler, and Michael Hage on the way, it feels like the Habs are on the right track.

But it’s guys like Evans who hold the fort while the young guns develop.