Overview
- The Devils acquired 24-year-old right wing Luke Evangelista in a trade announced Tuesday, Sept. 1, receiving him on the final year of a two-year contract with a reported $3 million cap hit.
- Nashville received Colorado’s conditional 2028 first-round pick and New Jersey’s 2028 second-round pick, with the first converting to Colorado’s 2029 choice if Colorado’s 2027 pick is not sent to Toronto or the 2028 pick lands in the top 10.
- Evangelista comes off a career-best 56-point season (44 assists, 12 goals) and will be a restricted free agent after 2026–27, meaning the Devils have one season of team control before arbitration-eligible RFA status.
- The move cuts both ways for the clubs: New Jersey adds playmaking depth ahead of the season and tightens its crowded wing group and cap picture, while Nashville gains extra draft currency and roster and salary-cap flexibility to promote younger wingers.
- The trade uses a draft asset New Jersey acquired in the Simon Nemec deal, a decision that shows GM Sunny Mehta willing to spend future picks for near-term roster gains and that GM Chris MacFarland is prioritizing picks and flexibility for the Predators.