Luke Evangelista joins New Jersey Devils forward lineup rotation

The New Jersey Devils added Luke Evangelista to their roster following a trade involving a protected Colorado first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round selection. Evangelista joins a forward group that underwent significant changes earlier this summer with the addition of Anthony Mantha. Projections place Evangelista on the right wing alongside Nico Hischier and Timo Meier to bolster the team's two-way depth. Head coach Sheldon Keefe aims to balance the top six by keeping Mantha with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt on the first line. Evangelista recorded 12 goals and 44 assists over 81 games last season. The move creates increased competition for ice time among the team's depth forwards and prospects as training camp approaches.

• 2:27 PMYahoo Sports — Devils Projected Lineup 2.5: Where Evangelista Fits, & Who He Bumps