Overview
- The Devils acquired 24-year-old right wing Luke Evangelista on Tuesday in exchange for New Jersey’s 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2028 first-round pick that originally belonged to Colorado.
- The Colorado first is protected and will convert to Colorado’s 2029 first if either Colorado’s 2027 first is not transferred to Toronto or Colorado’s 2028 pick lands inside the top 10.
- Evangelista is entering the final year of a two-year contract with a $3 million cap hit and will be a restricted free agent after the 2026–27 season with arbitration rights.
- New Jersey gains a proven middle-six playmaker coming off career highs (44 assists, 56 points) while the trade increases forward depth and raises the likelihood of further roster moves to resolve a crowded group.
- Nashville’s general manager said the trade boosts draft currency and cap/roster flexibility, giving the Predators more picks in 2028 and room to promote younger wingers or make additional moves.