Swedish Officials: Ljungblom Won't Join PWHL Montreal This Season

According to Swedish officials, Lina Ljungblom won't be joining PWHL Montreal this year as her contract with MoDo is binding.

Lina Ljungblom, the final pick in the PWHL draft by Montreal, will be staying in Europe this season, at least according to Swedish hockey officials.

Ljungblom, 21, was selected 90th overall by PWHL Montreal, but is currently under contract with MoDo in the SDHL through the 2023-2024 season. Ljungblom was the only player selected who is currently under contract for the entirety of the 2023-2024 season, and it appears there is no exit clause available to Ljungblom. Other players such as Dominika Laskova who were selected signed contracts in the SDHL late in the offseason with exit clauses included anticipating the opportunity to play in the PWHL.

According to Oscar Alsenfelt, an official with the SDHL, it would be against “Swedish law (contract law), and against the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation” for Ljungblom to break her contract by playing in the PWHL prior to the completion of her SDHL season.

It's anticipated the PWHL will be working with leagues across the globe on transfer agreements moving forward.

Montreal maintains Ljungblom’s rights for two years, meaning Montreal will maintain exclusive PWHL signing rights to Ljungblom next season, when she will no longer be under contract with MoDo in the SDHL.

The 5-foot-6 forward was Sweden's leading scorer at the 2023 World Championships scoring seven goals and 10 points in seven games. With MoDo last season, Ljungblom recorded 17 goals and 30 points in 32 games.