Former top prospect becomes free agent after not receiving qualifying offer

Prior to tomorrow's draft in Las Vegas, Jeff Gorton, the vice president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens, told reporters on Thursday that Jesse Ylonen would not get a qualifying offer from the team and will become an unrestricted free agency on July 1st.

The Canadiens chose 24 year old Ylonen 35th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, but he didn't start playing in the NHL full-time until this past season. Ylonen was alternating between Montreal and his American Hockey League affiliate in Laval prior to 2023–2024.

Ylonen saw his production drop by half in 2023–24 despite playing in 22 more games than the previous season; the Canadiens coaching staff and front office were likely not pleased with this, which is why they made the decision they did today.

Ylonen finished the previous season with eight points (four goals, four assists), 12 penalty minutes, and a plus-two rating in 59 games.

For Ylonen, finding a new NHL home on the free agent market for the upcoming season shouldn't be too difficult. Though he's still young and has potential, he'll probably play in the bottom six once more and play some AHL games with his new team.

Source: Blade of Steel
Montreal Canadiens set to move on from former second round pick