The NHL landscape shifted Tuesday as the New Jersey Devils acquired forward Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators in a trade that could have significant implications for both teams.
New Jersey sent Nashville a conditional first-round pick via the Colorado Avalanche along with its own second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
Evangelista, 24, was selected 42nd overall by Nashville in the 2020 NHL Draft and is coming off a breakout season. He scored 12 goals and recorded a career-high 56 points in 81 games last season. He has one season remaining on his two-year contract at a $3 million average annual value before becoming a restricted free agent following the 2026-27 campaign.
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Devils add another offensive piece
Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) prepares a shot on goal with Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (1) defending during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images
Evangelista is expected to slot into New Jersey’s top nine, likely occupying a middle-six role on the wing as the Devils continue reshaping their roster under new general manager Sunny Mehta.
New Jersey has struggled to establish consistent success in recent years. The Devils have made the playoffs only twice since the 2011-12 season, although both appearances came within the last four years. Last season, they finished 12 points behind the final Eastern Conference Wild Card position. This move could help get them back to the postseason.
Evangelista now joins a group of newcomers that includes Anthony Mantha, Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Amadeus Lombardi. The additions signal an aggressive effort to strengthen a roster that has struggled to maintain postseason momentum.
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Predators gain flexibility
While Nashville loses an important contributor, the trade could create opportunities for several young forwards. Matthew Wood, Joakim Kemell and Nils Hoglander are all looking to rebound and could benefit from the additional ice time created by Evangelista’s departure.
The Predators also receive valuable draft capital. The Colorado first-round selection comes with conditions: if Colorado’s 2027 first-rounder does not transfer to the Toronto Maple Leafs, or if Colorado’s 2028 first-round pick lands in the top 10, Nashville will instead receive Colorado’s unprotected 2029 first-round pick.
The Avalanche selection is not expected to land in the top half of the draft, but the additional assets give Nashville more flexibility as it retools. The trade also provides salary-cap relief for a Predators team that has reached the Stanley Cup playoffs only once since winning its division in 2018-19.
For both organizations, the deal represents a strategic gamble as they look to change their trajectories.
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