The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed Jesse Ylonen to a one year contract extension. His new deal is a two way contract.
The Canadiens agree to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Jesse Ylönen.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/hQAlRaTuTk
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 31, 2023
Canadiens Extend Jesse Ylonen
Ylonen split last season between the Canadiens and their AHL affiliate Laval Rocket. In 37 games with the Canadiens, Ylonen scored six goals and added 10 assists for 16 points in 37 games. At the AHL level, he scored 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points in 39 games.
Over his career, he has produced eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 52 games.
Ylonen was originally drafted by the Canadiens in the second round, 35th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Canadiens Secure Depth Piece
Ylonen was a pretty efficient scorer for the Canadiens in a limited role last season. While only averaging only 13:27 minutes of ice time per game, he managed to score 16 points in 37 games. Ylonen was also rewarded with some powerplay minutes as well where he did manage to find the back of the net. While the powerplay minutes might be few and far between in the future, knowing that he has the ability to be able to produce there certainly makes head coach Martin St. Louis‘ job much easier.
While there are no guarantees where Ylonen will play next season, he will certainly push for a spot on the opening night roster. His confidence grew as the season went on last season after receiving his call-up. You could see him settling in and get more calm with the puck as the season went on. Ylonen’s opportunity to get to the NHL came due to multiple injuries throughout the Canadiens’ lineup. This is, of course, unfortunate as nobody ever wants to see someone get hurt. However, it opened a door for Ylonen. It’s an opportunity that he seized and will have the coaching staff certainly taking an extra long look at him when training camp opens for the 2023-24 season.
Main Photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
