Nashville Predators Acquire Jesse Ylönen
On Wednesday, the Nashville Predators made a strategic move by acquiring forward Jesse Ylönen from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Anthony Angello. This trade signals a fresh start for both players and highlights the Predators’ commitment to strengthening their roster with versatile and talented prospects.
Jesse Ylönen’s Impressive Season in Syracuse
Jesse Ylönen, now 25 years old, has been making waves in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Syracuse Crunch this season. In 47 games, he has tallied 25 points, including 8 goals and 17 assists, along with a +5 rating and 18 penalty minutes. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 193 pounds, Ylönen’s comprehensive skill set and physical presence have been valuable assets for the Crunch. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he ranks tied for third on the team in both points and assists and tied for fourth in goals during the 2024-25 season. This consistent performance underscores his potential and the reason the Predators were eager to bring him into their fold.
Ylönen’s NHL Journey
Ylönen’s NHL career began with a memorable debut on May 12, 2021, when he faced the Edmonton Oilers. Since then, he has played in 111 games across four seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, contributing 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists). His journey from the AHL to the NHL has been marked by steady growth and a strong work ethic. Originally selected by the Canadiens in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Ylönen has proven his ability to adapt and thrive at different levels of competition. His AHL record is equally impressive, with 110 points (42 goals, 68 assists) in 167 games, split between the Syracuse Crunch and the Laval Rocket. These numbers highlight his versatility and scoring touch, making him a valuable addition to the Predators’ organization.
Anthony Angello’s Contributions and AHL Career
In the trade, Anthony Angello, a 6-foot-4, 228-pound forward, moves to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Angello skated in 41 games for the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals this season, recording seven goals and 14 points with a plus-5 rating. His physical presence and hard work have been notable throughout his career. Angello has played in 320 career AHL contests, with stints on the Admirals, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and Springfield Thunderbirds. He has a career record of 68 goals and 133 points, showcasing his consistency and reliability in the league. His NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Jan. 31, 2020, and his subsequent three goals and five points in 31 career NHL games further highlight his potential and the value he brings to the Lightning organization.
The Predators’ Vision for Ylönen
The Predators’ acquisition of Jesse Ylönen is a move that aligns with their organizational philosophy of bolstering their forward group with players who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Ylönen’s combination of scoring ability and physical play makes him a perfect fit for the Predators’ style. By assigning him to the Admirals, the Predators are giving Ylönen the opportunity to continue developing his skills and acclimating to his new team. The Admirals, now his new home, are scheduled to face the Iowa Wild on Friday at 7 p.m. CT, providing Ylönen with an immediate chance to make an impact on his new squad.
A Mutual Benefit for Both Players
This trade represents a significant opportunity for both Jesse Ylönen and Anthony Angello to find new paths to success. For Ylönen, joining the Predators offers a fresh environment where he can further refine his game and potentially earn more NHL minutes. For Angello, moving to the Lightning provides a new challenge and the chance to prove himself in a different organization. Both players bring unique strengths to their new teams, and their performances in the AHL and limited NHL experience suggest that they have the potential to make meaningful contributions at the next level. The trade is a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of professional hockey, where every move is a step toward building a stronger, more competitive team.
