Devils acquire Luke Evangelista from the Predators for 2 high draft picks

On April 2, 2026, the New Jersey Devils made a trade with the Nashville Predators, acquiring forward Luke Evangelista in exchange for a conditional first-round pick and their own second-rounder in 2028. The 24-year-old player, who recently set career highs with 44 assists and 56 points along with 12 goals during the 2025-26 season, has one more year left on his contract, carrying a salary cap hit of $3 million.

Nashville's general manager, Chris MacFarland, explained that the team was not eager to make the trade, yet they explored all options to improve their roster and salary cap situation. According to MacFarland, Evangelista's arrival provides flexibility for the Predators to make further additions to their team and create opportunities for young wingers within their organization to compete for NHL jobs.

Evangelista boasts an impressive 143 points in 259 games over his career in the league. This move marks the first acquisition made by the Devils' General Manager Sunny Mehta. The conditional pick they are receiving from the Predators could be from either the 2027 or 2029 draft, depending on certain conditions met by the Avalanche.