New Jersey Devils acquire Luke Evangelista from Nashville Predators

The New Jersey Devils acquired forward Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators on September 1 in exchange for a conditional 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round pick. Evangelista, 24, recorded 12 goals and 44 assists in 81 games last season. The move provides New Jersey with a playmaking winger at a $3 million cap hit, though it creates a logjam at the position with several other forwards already on the roster. The draft pick sent to Nashville includes top-10 protection and potential conditions involving other teams. As an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent, Evangelista remains under club control through 2029. New Jersey general manager Sunny Mehta executed the trade to add a five-on-five connector to the lineup, potentially signaling further roster adjustments to address the current depth at forward.

• 2:17 AMYahoo Sports — Devils Trade Grades: Mehta Steals Evangelista; Preds Sell Low