Devils acquire Luke Evangelista from Predators in major NHL trade

The New Jersey Devils have acquired forward Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators in exchange for two NHL Draft picks. Nashville will receive a conditional first-round pick and a second-round selection in the 2028 NHL Draft. The Devils previously acquired the conditional first-round pick from the Calgary Flames in the Simon Nemec trade in June. Evangelista, 24, is coming off the best season of his NHL career, recording 56 points with 12 goals and 44 assists across 81 games for Nashville. The forward is entering the final season of a two-year, $6 million contract carrying an average annual value of $3 million and can become a restricted free agent following the season. 'We know Luke is a good, young player who has endeared himself to our fans, so this decision was not made lightly,' Predators general manager Chris MacFarland said. MacFarland said the trade gives Nashville greater roster and salary-cap flexibility while adding two high draft picks. Evangelista was selected 42nd overall by the Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft. He has recorded 142 points, including 45 goals and 97 assists, in 253 regular-season NHL games. He has also scored once in six Stanley Cup Playoff appearances.