Overview
- New Jersey traded a conditional first-round pick (originally Colorado’s) plus the Devils’ 2028 second-round pick to Nashville in exchange for 24-year-old Luke Evangelista.
- The conditional first-round pick is tied to whether Colorado transfers its 2027 pick to Toronto or whether New Jersey’s 2028 pick lands in the top 10, which would push Nashville’s selection to 2029.
- Evangelista is coming off career highs with 44 assists and 56 points and has 143 points in 259 NHL games; he carries one year left on his contract at a $3 million cap hit.
- Predators GM Chris MacFarland said the deal provides roster and salary-cap flexibility and creates space for younger wingers in Nashville to compete for NHL roles.
- The move is one of the first by new Devils GM Sunny Mehta and represents a near-term offensive boost for New Jersey rather than a long-term roster commitment.