In the ever-evolving landscape of professional hockey, some signings generate more intrigue than others—and the latest move within the Montreal Canadiens organization has certainly set tongues wagging.

With a new season on the horizon, the team’s ECHL affiliate, the Trois-Rivières Lions, has made a bold announcement that could have ripple effects far beyond the minor leagues.

The return of a familiar face, known for his resilience and unwavering commitment, signals more than just a routine contract extension—it hints at deeper strategies and ambitions within the Canadiens’ prospect pool.

But who is this player, and what makes his presence so vital to the organization’s future plans? As whispers of his impact on the ice and in the locker room grow louder, questions about his potential role and upward trajectory begin to surface.

The Lions’ championship run and the player’s standout performances have only added fuel to the speculation, leaving fans eager to see how this story will unfold.

Is this simply a move to maintain stability, or could it be the beginning of something much bigger for Montreal’s hockey pipeline?

The answers lie within the details of this intriguing signing—and there’s much more to discover than meets the eye.

Photo of Tyler Hylland

Photo credit: NHL

A new center has just signed a contract within the Montreal Canadiens organization. The Trois-Rivières Lions, the Canadiens’ ECHL affiliate, have just announced the signing of center Tyler Hylland.

Tyler Hylland has signed and will remain within the Montreal Canadiens organization for another season.

See the team’s official announcement.

Tyler Hylland is back!

The Lions’ iron man will once again provide solid support to Ron Choules’ squad in all three zones, while also being a major asset in the faceoff circle! Welcome back, Hilly!

– Lions

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional hockey, some signings generate more intrigue than others—and the latest move within the Montreal Canadiens organization has certainly set tongues wagging. With a new season on the horizon, the team’s ECHL affiliate, the Trois-Rivières Lions, has made a bold announcement that could have ripple effects far beyond the minor leagues. The return of a familiar face, known for his resilience and unwavering commitment, signals more than just a routine contract extension—it hints at deeper strategies and ambitions within the Canadiens’ prospect pool.

But who is this player, and what makes his presence so vital to the organization’s future plans? As whispers of his impact on the ice and in the locker room grow louder, questions about his potential role and upward trajectory begin to surface. The Lions’ championship run and the player’s standout performances have only added fuel to the speculation, leaving fans eager to see how this story will unfold.

Is this simply a move to maintain stability, or could it be the beginning of something much bigger for Montreal’s hockey pipeline? The answers lie within the details of this intriguing signing—and there’s much more to discover than meets the eye.

Tyler Hylland, 27 years old, is a 5-foot-10, 205-pound center. Yes, he’s solid.

Originally from Châteauguay, Quebec, he recorded 32 points in 72 games last season with the Lions, including 15 goals, while maintaining a positive plus-minus of +8.

It’s easy to see why he’s nicknamed “the Iron Man of the Lions”!

Hylland added 8 goals in 19 playoff games, and he’s clearly one of the main reasons why the Canadiens’ ECHL affiliate won the 2024-2025 championship.

In junior hockey, the 27-year-old forward played with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, and the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

He played in the QMJHL from 2014 to 2019, with his best stint undoubtedly coming with the Armada during the 2018-19 season, when he recorded an impressive 25 points (15 goals) in 34 games.

Personally, I think this is a solid signing for the organization, and it contributes to stability in the prospect pool.

We look forward to seeing him at the next training camp, where he’ll likely continue climbing the ranks.