New Jersey Devils acquire Luke Evangelista from Nashville Predators

Devils bolster forward depth with trade

The New Jersey Devils have acquired forward Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators for a conditional 2028 first-round pick and a second-round pick. This move aims to strengthen the Devils’ forward group as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season.

Evangelista’s contract and stats

Entering the final season of a two-year contract valued at $6 million, Evangelista carries an average annual value of $3 million. He is poised to become a restricted free agent next summer.

In the 2025-2026 season, the 24-year-old forward recorded 12 goals, 44 assists, and a career-high 56 points in 82 games. Initially drafted in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Evangelista made his NHL debut in the 2022-2023 season, quickly becoming a key contributor for the Predators.

Implications for both teams

With the trade, the Predators now possess 11 selections in the 2028 NHL Draft, including five in the first two rounds. The Devils, having dealt a pick originally acquired from the Colorado Avalanche, still retain their own first-round pick for 2028.

Chris MacFarland, the Predators’ general manager, acknowledged the impact of the trade, stating, “We know Luke is a good, young player who has endeared himself to our fans, so this decision was not made lightly.” In a broader context, both teams are looking to improve after missing the playoffs last season.

NHL landscape moving forward

The trade highlights strategic shifts as the Devils and Predators endeavor to enhance their rosters. With the NHL training camp on the horizon, the addition of Evangelista is expected to navigate New Jersey’s path toward a more competitive lineup.

Reporting for this story draws on The Hockey News.

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