Avalanche divisional rival signs top RFA ahead of upcoming season
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The Colorado Avalanche divisional rival Nashville Predators have officially signed top restricted free agent forward Luke Evangelista ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season, bolstering their lineup for the year ahead.
According to insider Frank Seravalli, the Predators have officially agreed to a contract extension with the 23-year-old restricted free agent.
Predators lock up top RFA forward Luke Evangelista to a contract extension.
Justin Lynch from The Sporting News writes that the contract is for two years, carrying an average annual value of $3 million.
Evangelista was the top remaining unsigned RFA, following the recent signings of Mason McTavish and Luke Hughes over the past week.
"This will be a nice bridge deal for Luke to prove himself over the course of this short term deal ahead of his next contract. Evangelista recorded 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 68 games last year with the Predators." -Lynch
It's good news for Nashville to finalize Evangelista's deal before the regular season, avoiding prolonged negotiations. Despite missing training camp and most of the preseason, it's better late than never.
"For the Predators, it locks in a promising young forward for the next couple seasons. Evangelista is expected to play a key part in getting Nashville back on track after a tough 24-25 year as one of the squad's players with the most potential. He is expected to grow into a top 6 role with this emerging offensive group." -Lynch
In his three-year NHL career with Nashville, Evangelista has recorded 33 goals and 53 assists for 86 points across 172 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he has one goal in six appearances.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 5 | 14 ANSWERS Avalanche divisional rival signs top RFA ahead of upcoming season Will the Nashville Predators finish last in the Central Division this season? | ||
| yes | 6 | 42.9 % |
| no | 8 | 57.1 % |
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