Predators trade fan favorite Evangelista to Devils for two 2028 picks

The Nashville Predators traded forward Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils for a pair of 2028 draft picks: a conditional first-round pick originally owned by the Colorado Avalanche and the Devils’ 2028 second-round pick. The conditions on the first-rounder hinge on Colorado’s 2027 first-round pick transfer to Toronto or if Colorado’s 2028 pick lands in the top 10, in which case Nashville would receive Colorado’s 2029 first-round pick instead. Evangelista, 24, had a career-best 56 points last season and had become a fan favorite, making the move a notable shift for Nashville’s forward group. Predators GM Chris MacFarland framed the trade as a strategic move to create roster and salary-cap flexibility and to accelerate development for younger wingers within the organization. New Jersey is positioning itself to contend for a playoff run by adding a proven top-six forward to complement its recent signings and depth, while Nashville adds seven first- and second-round picks over the next two drafts as part of a broader rebuild.