The New Jersey Devils have strengthened their forward group by acquiring Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a conditional 2028 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.

Evangelista, 24, has spent his entire four-year NHL career with Nashville. The Toronto native is coming off the most productive season of his career, recording 56 points with 12 goals and a career-best 44 assists. His assist total nearly doubled his previous career high of 23.

Originally selected 42nd overall by the Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft, Evangelista had to wait until the 2022-23 season to make his NHL debut. He made an immediate impact, registering seven goals and eight assists in 24 games while averaging 16:34 of ice time per night.

In his second full season, Evangelista averaged 13:57 of ice time across 80 games but still managed to establish a career high with 16 goals, adding 23 assists along the way.

His 2024-25 campaign was less productive after he missed four weeks because of a lower-body injury. He finished the season with 10 goals and 22 assists in 68 games before returning to form last season.

For the Devils, the move addresses an important need on the wing. New Jersey was looking to add a top-six winger, and Evangelista now has an opportunity to become an important part of the team’s offense.

The right-wing playmaker is also entering the final year of his two-year, $6 million contract. Following the season, he is scheduled to become a restricted free agent, giving both Evangelista and New Jersey plenty to play for as they look toward the future.