A once-promising Montreal Canadiens prospect is officially heading overseas. Jesse Ylönen, the 25-year-old right winger, has signed a two-year contract with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), beginning with the 2025–26 season.
The announcement marks the end of Ylönen’s time in the National Hockey League, a tough turn for a player who once held high expectations within the Canadiens’ organization.
A Look Back at Ylönen’s Career
Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and standing 6-foot-2, 193 pounds, Ylönen was selected 35th overall by the Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Draft. He suited up for 111 NHL games, tallying 12 goals and 17 assists for a total of 29 points.
He also had stints in the American Hockey League (AHL), including 35 points in 66 games split between the Nashville Predators’ and Tampa Bay Lightning’s affiliates this past season. His most productive AHL campaign came in 2022–23 with the Laval Rocket, where he recorded 32 points in just 39 games.
As recently as last season, Ylönen appeared in 59 games for the Canadiens, but despite opportunities, he never solidified a long-term role.
A Common Path for Reviving Careers
Ylönen now joins a growing list of NHL players who have made the jump to Europe in hopes of revitalizing their careers. Djurgårdens, a storied franchise in Sweden, offers him a fresh start and more playing time.
While his departure from the NHL may be disappointing to some fans, we wish Ylönen nothing but success as he continues his journey in professional hockey.
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