Why Canadiens Center Chose Montreal Over Money

In the recently released second season, fourth episode of The Rebuild: Inside The Canadiens, Evans addressed the media, deflecting any question about doubts caused by signing a four-year $11.4 million deal on March 4. Evans, while known less for his offensive abilities, could have potentially been a hot commodity on July 1, given his veteran presence and smart, defensive play.

Evans chose to stick with Montreal, even though he could have earned significantly more in terms of dollars and possibly even more in terms of contract length. It's conceivable that the Canadiens might have felt that the 29-year-old could have turned down the deal, but general manager Kent Hughes was counting on the culture and the camaraderie in the dressing room to leave a great impression on Evans.

But Evans' familiarity with the city and the comfort of staying home were enough to convince him to stay. It also speaks volumes, now roughly six months later, that Evans, a new dad of twins, wanted to raise his twins in Montreal, instead of uprooting to pursue greener pastures.

Often, players choose to leave Canada to go play where the weather is nicer, the odds of competing for a Stanley Cup are a little higher, and the state income taxes are much lower than those of the Canadian markets. With 25 American teams compared to seven Canadian teams, the mathematics of it just makes sense.

But Evans, a native of Toronto, Ontario, chose to stay in Canada, a decision that proves that none of the outside noise matters, but his belief and confidence in what the Canadiens are building ultimately won him over.

Patrik Laine started in Winnipeg, and for many reasons, it didn't work out. Then, he was traded to Columbus and finally ended up in Montreal. Laine's love for Montreal and renewed passion for the game could be a factor in the future, when free agents are weighing their options. Montreal has long been a choice that gets overlooked.

Maybe Evans and Laine sticking in Montreal could be just what changes the tide, and makes players reconsider Montreal or Canadian cities as a viable option.