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The cycle never stops.

Older players fall off, younger players step up in their stead.

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Sometimes, it’s expected.

Other times, it’s a pleasant surprise that arrives out of the blue even for the front office decision-makers.

The 2016 CFL season will be no different.

There’s an obvious premium placed on Canadian talent in a league that mandates seven of them must be in the starting lineup, but a national player that can be a game-changer?

That’s worth its weight in gold.

Here’s a look at 10 Canadians who could enjoy breakout seasons in 2016:

10. DB Mike Edem, B.C. Lions

Taken third overall by the Montreal Alouettes in 2013, the University of Calgary product immediately made a whole lot of plays for the Als with five sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles as a rookie. Then, something happened. Injuries played a role, but, for some reason, Edem fell out of favour in Montreal and was eventually shipped to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for a measly sixth-round pick. The Lions could be the beneficiaries, after scooping up the 26-year-old in free agency. He’ll be a versatile chess piece in Black & Orange.