A very interesting trade proposal between the Habs and the Oilers involving hometown forward Raphaël Lavoie has just surfaced

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David St-Jean
August 4, 2023 (12:28)

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Earlier this week, the Montreal Canadiens announced the signing of Finnish forward Jesse Ylonen to a two-way contract for the 2023-2024 season. Despite having some successful moments with the team during his recall last year (16 points in 37 games), this is likely his final opportunity to prove himself to the management.

Now at the age of 23, Ylonen will need to demonstrate that he belongs in the NHL and can become a significant asset in Martin St. Louis' lineup, as he undoubtedly aims to secure a contract extension after the upcoming season.

However, due to the large number of forwards currently under contract, it's clear that the former second-round pick in 2018 could benefit from a change of scenery to rejuvenate his career. In this context, statistician Stéphane Laberge has made a very interesting trade proposal that would send Jesse Ylonen to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a well-known Quebecer.

Here's his trade proposal:

"To MONTREAL:
-Raphaël Lavoie

To EDMONTON:
-Jesse Ylonen"

Similar to the Canadiens' prospect, Raphaël Lavoie has struggled to establish himself as a regular NHL forward, despite his remarkable offensive abilities. However, the 38th overall pick in 2019 posted impressive statistics in the AHL last year, tallying 25 goals and 20 assists (45 points) in 61 games.

Do you believe that Kent Hughes should trade Jesse Ylonen to acquire forward Raphaël Lavoie?

Personally, we wouldn't make this trade. Raphaël Lavoie may have a potentially more enticing offensive upside than Ylonen, but it's unlikely he can secure a spot in a top-six role. On the other hand, the Canadiens' forward possesses a more complete set of tools, excelling defensively as well.

In our view, the chances are much greater that Jesse Ylonen could develop into a well-rounded third-line forward than Raphaël Lavoie becoming a top-line player who can perform on the first two lines.

Source: Habs&LNH