In a scary incident in the first competitive game of the 2018 pre-season, Montreal Canadiens prospect Jake Evans was taken off the ice on a stretcher. The NCAA graduate had taken a hit after crossing the blue line, and appeared to be unconscious after landing on his head after the body check.
Evans was able to participate in the tournament for the first time after being ineligible due to his collegiate responsibilities in previous years. He had wrapped up his tenure with the University of Notre Dame in the spring, and was preparing to begin his rookie professional season.