Jake Evans

Taking on an increased role for a league-worst Canadiens team, Evans finished last season with career-best marks in goals (13), assists (16), points (29), shots on goal (124), hits (88), blocks (37) and average time on ice (15:36). Of course, that isn't enough production to make Evans a fantasy option, but at age 26, perhaps Evans can fill a bottom-six role as Montreal attempts to make their push back towards the playoff picture in 2022-23.

Evans took on a larger role for the Canadiens in 2020-21, recording 13 points, 55 shots on goal and 79 hits in 47 contests. The 25-year-old could be a candidate to fill a top-six role in 2021-22 after Phillip Danault left for Los Angeles in free agency. Evans' primary competition for the second-line center spot would be the No. 3 overall pick from 2018, Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Both players have a similar style, but both pedigree and position are not in Evans' favor -- he's a natural winger selected in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. If a scoring-line assignment awaits the Ontario native, he could push for 30-35 points, as he's due for some positive regression after converting his shots at just a 5.5 percent rate last year. He's still a risky pick for fantasy managers in redraft leagues, as he's not expected to see power-play time to begin the year.

Evans got his first taste of NHL action in 2019-20, notching three points in 13 games. He also posted a solid 38 points in 51 contests with AHL Laval. The 24-year-old forward could make the Canadiens' Opening Night roster in 2020-21, as he's competing with Ryan Poehling for the fourth-line center job. A natural winger, Evans is on a two-way contract, which makes it more likely he ends up in the minors to start the truncated 56-game campaign, but a strong showing in training camp could earn Evans a regular job. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues shouldn't pay him much attention, but his scoring pace in the minors will make him worth a stash in dynasty formats.

Evans' first season as a professional was bookended by injuries. He underwent offseason hernia surgery last summer, suffered a concussion during training camp, and spent the final weeks of the campaign on the shelf due to a broken rib. Despite that, the 23-year-old was able to put together a highly respectable season, notching 13 goals and 32 assists in 67 games for AHL Laval. He opened on the Rocket's fourth line, but quickly earned a promotion to the top line. Eventually, he was trusted in all situations, skating on Laval's first power-play unit while also serving as a penalty killer. Evans will likely open the 2019-20 campaign in the minors, but could earn a call-up at some point during the season, so although he won't be worth a pick in this year's fantasy drafts, he may be worth a waiver claim if he's able to secure an extended stay with the big club.

Evans was a four-year star at the University of Notre Dame, who improved each year for the Irish. He captained Notre Dame during this year's Frozen Four, where they lost the title game to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. If he weren't selected by the Canadiens in the seventh round of the 2014 draft, Evans would have gone higher this year. He played mostly on the wing in college but is capable of handling center duties if needed. Look for the Habs to try him out at center in AHL Laval. He's viewed as a well-rounded player with no obvious deficiencies and lauded for his hockey IQ. The 22-year-old underwent surgery for a sports hernia in May and was given a 12-week prognosis for recovery.