Story Summary
Luke Evangelista has signed a five-year, $36.25 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. The deal carries an average annual value of $7.25 million and begins with the 2027-28 season. Evangelista, 24, was acquired by New Jersey in a trade with the Nashville Predators on Sept. 1 in exchange for a first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. He is entering the final season of a two-year, $6 million contract ($3 million AAV) he signed with Nashville on Oct. 4, 2025.
Key Facts
- Luke Evangelista signed a five-year, $36.25 million contract with the New Jersey Devils.
- The contract has an average annual value of $7.25 million and begins with the 2027-28 season.
- Evangelista was acquired by New Jersey in a trade with the Nashville Predators on Sept. 1 for a first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
- He is 24 and entering the final season of a two-year, $6 million deal ($3 million AAV) he signed with Nashville on Oct. 4, 2025.
- Last season with Nashville, Evangelista recorded 56 points (12 goals, 44 assists) in 81 games.
- Evangelista was selected by Nashville in the second round (No. 42) of the 2020 NHL Draft.
- Career regular-season totals for Nashville: 142 points (45 goals, 97 assists) in 253 games.
- He has one goal in six Stanley Cup Playoff games.
IHM Discussion
This contract secures Evangelista long term while deferring its cap hit until 2027-28. The New Jersey Devils committed to the 24-year-old forward after acquiring him from Nashville in a significant draft-pick trade on Sept. 1. Evangelista arrives with a clear offensive résumé: 56 points (12 goals, 44 assists) in 81 games last season and 142 points (45 goals, 97 assists) across 253 regular-season games for the Predators. New Jersey has chosen to pair the immediate roster addition with a follow-up long-term investment that begins after the current two-year arrangement signed in October 2025 expires.
Why It Matters
The five-year term and $7.25 million AAV give the Devils a long-term commitment to a 24-year-old forward. Evangelista produced 44 assists last season, and the contract begins in 2027-28, after the final season of his current deal. That timing gives New Jersey a clear window to integrate him before the new agreement starts.
IHM Market Outlook
The contract carries a $7.25 million average annual value once it begins in 2027-28. New Jersey acquired Evangelista for a first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft, then agreed to a five-year extension before he plays out the final season of his current contract.
Fan Pulse
Devils supporters are likely to welcome the offensive numbers Evangelista brings and the certainty of a long-term deal for a player still in his mid-20s. At the same time, some fans may weigh the five-year commitment against the draft capital New Jersey surrendered on Sept. 1. The contract’s delayed start could ease short-term concerns while setting expectations for the 2027-28 season and beyond.
Mini Q&A
Who signed the contract?
Luke Evangelista signed the five-year contract with the New Jersey Devils.
What is the value and length of the deal?
The contract is five years for $36.25 million, with an average annual value of $7.25 million.
When does the new contract begin?
The contract begins with the 2027-28 season.
How did the Devils acquire Evangelista?
New Jersey acquired Evangelista in a trade with the Nashville Predators on Sept. 1 for a first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
What were Evangelista’s stats last season?
Last season with Nashville, Evangelista had 56 points, comprising 12 goals and 44 assists, in 81 games.
Coach Mark Comment
Evangelista’s 44 assists last season point to a forward who can create for linemates. His first season in New Jersey will give the coaching staff time to assess where his playmaking fits best within the group before the new contract begins.
What Comes Next
The contract begins with the 2027-28 season. Before then, Evangelista will play the final season of the two-year, $6 million contract he signed with Nashville on Oct. 4, 2025, now as a member of the Devils following the Sept. 1 trade.
IHM Final View
New Jersey has followed its Sept. 1 trade for Luke Evangelista with a five-year commitment beginning in 2027-28. The deal carries a $7.25 million AAV and gives the Devils a season to see how the 24-year-old forward settles into the club before the new agreement starts.