Montreal Canadiens: Top 10 prospects entering 2019

8. Jake Evans

Acquired: 2014 seventh-round pick

Age: 23

Position: Center/Right Wing

Stats:  67 games, 13 goals, 32 assists, 45 points (Laval Rocket, AHL)

The Canadiens have been very patient with Jake Evans. They finally started reaping the benefits last season, as he was one of the Rocket’s best forwards. Only Alex Belzile, who turns 28 in about a month, had more points than him.

Evans offense needs to develop a bit more, but I think his two-way play is good enough to stick in the NHL. He projects to be a bottom six forward, but he should be one who can chip in on offense. Evans is a high-character guy and it wouldn’t shock me if he gets a cup of coffee in the NHL during the 2019-20 season.

7. Joni Ikonen

Acquired: 2017 second-round pick

Age: 20

Position: Center

Stats: 13 games, 5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points

The 2018-19 season was mostly a lost one for Joni Ikonen thanks to injuries. But when he did play, he was darn good. Ikonen averaged nearly a point per game in Liiga, which is one of the toughest leagues in the world.

A huge change I noticed is he used his creativity much more effectively. Ikonen set up chances for his teammates and opened up passing lanes. His skating was improved as well. But what I love is he started to be more trigger happy. Ikonen has a great shot and it looks like he finally has some confidence in it.

His floor is low because I don’t think he’ll ever be a fourth-liner in the NHL. Ikonen simply doesn’t play that kind of game. But his upside could lead him to be a second-line center. I’d have him higher, but I’m taking his 13 game sample size last year with a grain of salt.