3 Canadiens roster players who must step up in Emil Heineman's absence

Emil Heineman's absence will be felt if some bottom six forwards don't step up.

Dallas Stars v Montreal Canadiens
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Jake Evans

Jake Evans
Dallas Stars v Montreal Canadiens | Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages

Jake Evans was on a tear at the end of 2024 but has been held without a point for the last six games. The Canadiens have won four of the six games, but that may not be as easy if Evans doesn't start contributing with Heineman out of the lineup. Some teams in the league can go without their fourth line putting up points, but the Canadiens don't have that luxury.

This could be the month Evans cements the big contract coming his way. Suppose Evans can put the fourth line on his back and be a massive bottom-six contributor until Heineman returns. In that case, it'll show much about his potential in the organization if he hasn't already shown that with his play over the last month.

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