Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 1, 2026) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland announced today that the team has acquired Colorado’s 2028 first-round pick (conditional) and New Jersey’s 2028 second-round pick from the Devils in exchange for forward Luke Evangelista. In the event that either a) Colorado’s 2027 first-round pick is not transferred to Toronto; or b) Colorado’s 2028 first-round pick falls within the Top 10, Nashville shall instead receive Colorado’s 2029 first-round pick.
“We know Luke is a good, young player who has endeared himself to our fans, so this decision was not made lightly,” MacFarland said. “At the same time, we’ve explored all possibilities in pursuit of making our team better moving forward. This trade brings us two more high draft picks, giving us seven in the first two rounds over the next two seasons; provides us with flexibility from a roster and salary cap standpoint to make additional improvements to our team; and creates a space for the promising young wingers within our organization to compete for, and earn, an NHL job. We wish Luke all the best in New Jersey.”
The Predators now own 11 picks in the 2028 NHL Draft – three in the second round; two in the first and fifth rounds; and one in the third, fourth, sixth and seventh rounds.
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