Dec 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans (71) skates during the warmup before the game against the Edmonton Oilers at the Bell Centre.

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The injury to Jake Evans continues to spark reactions among the Montreal Canadiens.

A sports doctor spoke out about the type of contact sustained and the possible scenarios regarding the length of his absence.

According to his analysis, the knee-to-knee contact observed can lead to several types of injuries. However, some are much more likely than others in this specific context.

The main concern involves the medial collateral ligament, the MCL. In this case, the length of absence depends directly on the severity.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) also remains a possibility, still according to Dr. Harjas Grewal. In that scenario, the absence would be much longer, exceeding five months.

That is obviously the outcome the Canadiens hope to avoid.

A very long-term injury for Jake Evans?

Other types of knee injuries are considered unlikely based on the mechanism of the contact observed.

“In general, knee to knee contact can result in any knee injury

For this instance, main concern is the MCL (time off depends on grade)

ACL is definitely possible though (5+ months out)

Other injuries are unlikely

MRI today will give Habs clarity on Evans”

– Dr. Harjas Grewal

The next update should bring more clarity. Until then, the Canadiens move forward with caution, obviously hoping for the most favorable scenario for Jake Evans.

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Sports doctor offers early assessment of Jake Evans’ injury as Canadiens await official diagnosis

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