The restricted free agent returns to the Montreal Canadiens for another season on a two-way deal.
The Montreal Canadiens announced the signing of their final restricted free agent early on Monday morning. 23-year-old Jesse Ylonen returns to the organization on a one-year, two-way NHL contract. He will be a restricted free agent once again when his contract ends next summer.
An early second-round draft pick by the Canadiens in 2018 (35th overall), Ylonen spent almost half of the 2022-23 season playing in Montreal. Through 37 games played, he tallied six goals and 10 assists, including one power play goal and one game-winner. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward has accrued 21 points over 52 career NHL games played.
A native of Finland, but born in Scottsdale, AZ to former NHLer Juha Ylonen, Jesse has also played 120 AHL games with the Laval Rocket, where he boasts a career total of 34 goals and 51 assists since his debut in 2021. Last season, in 39 games played with Laval, the right-winger scored 11 goals and added 32 assists.
Before moving to North America, Ylonen played for the Pelicans in the Finnish Liiga. In 2019, he was part of Finland's U20 team who won gold at the World Junior Championship, scoring three goals and registering three assists in seven games played.
For a complete list of players currently on an NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens, check out our Canadiens Offseason Roster and Trade Tracker!