Story Summary
Luke Evangelista’s trade from the Nashville Predators to the New Jersey Devils has prompted discussion that the NHL trade market could become more active as training camps approach. Shaun Starr and Marco D’Amico suggested some clubs may begin addressing unresolved roster and contract questions as staff return to work. D’Amico also pointed to a September 16 deadline for certain eight-year, front-loaded extensions with heavy signing bonuses as a possible factor in upcoming decisions.
Key Facts
- Luke Evangelista was traded from the Nashville Predators to the New Jersey Devils, according to the discussion.
- Shaun Starr and Marco D’Amico discussed whether the trade market could become more active as training camps approach.
- Marco D’Amico said the trade market may “shake loose” as teams return to work and training camps approach.
- D’Amico referenced a September 16 deadline related to contract extensions for eight-year, front-loaded deals with heavy signing bonuses as a factor that could influence trades and roster moves.
- D’Amico questioned a trade made by a recently appointed general manager involving a young player who had 56 points last season, earns $3 million this year and is eligible for an extension next summer. The player and full trade details were not identified in the discussion.
- The hosts discussed that some teams and markets may have young top-six players available and that when such players are available, other clubs often “pounce.”
- Montreal, Nashville and New Jersey were among the clubs mentioned in the discussion.
IHM Discussion
Starr and D’Amico suggested teams may revisit roster and contract questions as training camps approach.
D’Amico also raised the September 16 deadline for certain eight-year, heavily front-loaded extensions as a possible timing consideration. He questioned a separate, unspecified trade involving a young 56-point player who is affordable this season but eligible for an extension next summer. The discussion did not identify that player or provide enough detail to draw wider conclusions from the deal. Montreal was mentioned as a club that could be alert if young top-six players become available.
Why It Matters
The approach of training camp can sharpen roster planning, while contract deadlines may add urgency to some decisions. Any movement before pre-season could affect how clubs shape their opening-night plans, but the discussion does not establish that a wider run of trades is imminent.
IHM Market Outlook
Based on the discussion, the market may become more active rather than suddenly erupt. D’Amico said it may “shake loose” as clubs return to work, while cautioning against expecting it to “bust open”. The September 16 deadline for certain long, front-loaded extensions is a possible timing factor, not confirmation that trades will follow. The Evangelista move is one recent transaction, rather than proof of a market-wide shift.
Mini Q&A
Did a concrete trade spark this discussion?
Yes. The hosts opened their discussion following the trade that sent Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators to the New Jersey Devils.
Why might the market pick up now?
Marco D’Amico suggested teams are returning to work and that a September 16 deadline for certain eight-year, front-loaded contract extensions with heavy signing bonuses could push clubs to act.
Are the hosts predicting a massive market surge?
No. D’Amico said that calling the market ready to “bust open” is too aggressive; he instead expects it may “shake loose.”
Was a specific player or team named as likely to be involved in further moves?
Montreal was mentioned as a club that could be alert when young top-six players become available. The discussion also referred to an unspecified trade involving a recently appointed general manager and a young player who recorded 56 points last season.
What are the immediate calendar checkpoints mentioned?
The discussion referenced September 16 as a contractual deadline. Reportedly, September 19 is the start of pre-season and September 29 as regular-season opening night for 2026-27.
Coach Mark Comment
From a coaching perspective, late-summer roster changes can affect camp planning, particularly when a player is expected to compete for a prominent role. The priority is to establish combinations and special-teams options quickly once the group is in camp.
What Comes Next
The September 16 deadline for certain eight-year, front-loaded extensions is the immediate contract checkpoint raised in the discussion.
IHM Final View
Evangelista’s trade has fuelled discussion that the market could be starting to move, but it does not confirm a broader wave of deals. As camp approaches and the September contract deadline nears, clubs may face decisions; whether that produces further trades remains uncertain.
