Former Montreal Canadiens Jesse Ylonen cut from Tampa Bay Lightning training camp

Jesse Ylonen was cut from the Tampa Bay Lightning camp, one season after he fell out of favour in Montreal due to the club's forward depth.

Los Angeles Kings v Montreal Canadiens
Los Angeles Kings v Montreal Canadiens / Minas Panagiotakis/GettyImages

The Montreal Canadiens forward depth pushed Jesse Ylonen out of the club, and he was hoping to find a spot with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

That didn't work out for Ylonen, who, according to TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie, reported that Ylonen was cut from the Bolts training camp. It's unfortunate news for Ylonen who was a great utility player for the Habs. Ylonen forged a solid two-way game, but he never lived up to the offensive potential that he appeared to have.

I'm not sure what this means for Ylonen's future, but he is under contract with the Lightning. I would assume he will be claimed, but if not, maybe the motivation he gains from being demoted to the American Hockey League will light a spark in him. He skates like an NHL player and he has solid puck skills and awareness, so I would think he could make it in a bottom-six role.

The best bet for Ylonen is to play in a third line role, and chip in a bit offensively. But if it doesn't work out, he could opt to play back home in Finland.

What's up with Ylonen?

Ylonen was once one of the Canadiens' biggest hopefuls for a roster spot, and his improved 200-foot game looked promising. With a great work ethic and footspeed, Ylonen should have become an important piece for the Canadiens, but it never worked out. Guys like Joshua Roy and Emil Heineman pushed him down the depth chart and now with Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen on the cusp, there just isn't space for a guy whose offensive upside dwindled since turning pro.

The young Finnish forward has a quick release from a standstill and his one-touch shot is powerful as well. But somewhere along the way he lost confidence in his shooting ability and backed out as a shooter, to just being a passer. While he is still effective, for a Canadiens team starved for goals, he just wasn't the right fit anymore.

Maybe he will start shooting more and puttting an effort to round out his offensive game, I hope so, because I think he has the potential to be a nice support piece for an NHL club's offense.

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