The #Habs have one remaining restricted free agent in Jesse Ylonen but it’s a bit surprising that he hasn’t put pen to paper on a new deal yet: https://t.co/RZGdGaK4ns
– HabsWorld.net (@habsworld_net) July 23, 2023
Jesse Ylönen’s contract: a case that is surprisingly slow to conclude
Auteur: Manuel Sperandio-LemayAt the start of the Montreal Canadiens’ off-season, the team’s general manager, Kent Hughes, had a number of issues to deal with.
It didn’t take too long for the matter to be resolved (after the start of the off-season), and allowed CH fans to start the summer with some very good news.
What’s more, Caufield’s eight-year, $7.85-million-a-year contract is excellent news.
Other issues to be resolved at the start of the summer included Rafaël Harvey-Pinard’s contract, as well as player congestion in both attack and defence.
I’m talking about Jesse Ylönen’s contract.
At the start of the summer, the Finn’s next contract was clearly not a priority, while at the same time it looked like it would be an uncomplicated and easy matter to settle, given that there aren’t a thousand and one options – on the contrary.
Yet, to this day, Ylönen is the last restricted free agent still without a contract with the Habs.
So what’s dragging this out?
Well, the main reason is that, for the first time in his career, Ylönen will be eligible for the ballot next season.
Of course, even if Ylönen isn’t the latest offspring of Connor McDavid, the CH wouldn’t want to lose a 23-year-old who already has some NHL experience for nothing.
So, the Habs will want and need to keep Ylönen up top.
And if Ylönen’s camp feels the same way, well, they have no interest in signing a contract worth less than his qualifying offer of $874,125 with a bonus American League salary.
This would give Ylönen nothing, since he knows that the CH will want to keep him in Montreal.
There’s nothing to stop the CH and Ylönen agreeing on a contract of similar value to his qualifying offer, but if that hasn’t been done, there’s surely a reason.
So, potentially Ylönen is looking for a two-year deal with an annual value close to that of Rafaël Harvey-Pinard.
Obviously, Ylönen shouldn’t pocket more than RHP.
In the NHL last season, Ylönen had 16 points (six goals and ten assists) in 37 games, while Harvey-Pinard had 20 points (14 goals and six assists) in 34 games.
In short, it’s surprising to see the file dragging on, but in the end, Ylönen should soon sign a contract with a fairly ordinary component.
This contract could push the Tricolore to send RHP to Laval, since he won’t be eligible for the draft next season.
To find out more, I’ll relay the HabsWorld.net article here, where the possibility of Ylönen going to Europe is discussed.
In the Rafale
– This will clearly be a case to follow.
SIMMONS SAYS: Would Maple Leafs let Nylander walk after his contract expires? https://t.co/9DALBywRNu pic.twitter.com/rQwFkx0dcj
– Toronto Sun (@TheTorontoSun) July 23, 2023
– The start is set in Hungary.
VERSTAPPEN TAKES THE LEAD OFF THE START!
The “dirty” side of the grid ends up working the best as both Verstappen and Piastri move into the Top 2 spots. Hamilton has a disastrous start down to 4th.#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/8yL8POyoRp
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 23, 2023
– Catastrophe for Alpine.
Double DNF for Alpine.
For the 2nd consecutive race, both Gasly and Ocon are out as they collide on the opening lap after contact from Zhou.#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/wDehA1M6Iv
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 23, 2023
– Big win for the Orioles.
Brandon Hyde’s men saw the Rays come from behind, but still notched their 60th win this season. https://t.co/8ZvW2zd1eS
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 23, 2023
– Congratulations to Jamaica!
FULL TIME
Jamaica pick up their 1st ever Women’s World Cup point after holding the French scoreless.#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/NCCz9CEadU
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 23, 2023