PWHL Montreal signs Swedish MVP Ljungblom to 3-year contract

PWHL Montreal signed forward Lina Ljungblom to a three-year contract, the team announced Monday.

Ljungblom, 22, tallied 23 goals and 46 points last season with MoDo in Sweden's top league. She led the SDHL playoffs with eight goals in 10 games and was named league MVP.

"I'm so excited to be a part of Montreal," Ljungblom said in a statement. "When I watched the games during the last season, I felt that it would be a dream come true to play for that team, in front of their great fans. I'm now so happy to finally be able to do that."

Montreal drafted Ljungblom in September's inaugural draft with the last pick, 90th overall. Ljungblom was ruled ineligible to play in the PWHL's first season as she was already under contract in Sweden and didn't have an out clause.

"She is a dynamic and explosive player who will add depth to our offensive game. ... Her arrival in Montreal will be a great asset for our team," general manager Daniele Sauvageau said.

Ljungblom has featured on the Swedish national team since she was 17 years old. She's accumulated 10 goals and 15 points in 22 games over four world championships. She made her Olympic debut in 2022.

Her three-year pact makes Ljungblom the first PWHL player to be signed through the 2026-27 season.