With the McTavish deal completed, there are few remaining unsigned RFA's (Restricted Free Agent) remaining as the 25-26 NHL season draws near. Luke Hughes of New Jersey remains the largest domino to fall, but there are more in the queue behind him.
One of those players is Nashville's Luke Evangelista. The former London Knight junior is a promising young forward for Nashville, having accumulated consecutive seasons of 30+ points for the Predators the last 2 years.
Contract talks between the 23 year old forward and Nashville have been slow and tedious throughout the offseason, but it sounds like an agreement may be on the horizon sooner rather than later.
What is the latest on Evangelista?
Via insider Chris Johnston, the Preds have made progress in negotiations with the Evangelista camp as the sides narrow down the contract numbers. Reportedly the parties are within less than million when it comes to the amount with the term expected to come in around 2 years.
This good news for the Predators and their fanbase as they inch closer to locking up one of the important pieces of their future core. Evangelista will be expected to play an important role in what the Preds hope will be a bounce back year in this upcoming campaign after a disastrous 24-25 season.
Luke Evangelista has recorded 33 goals and 53 assists for 86 points in 172 career regular season games with Smashville. In the playoffs, he has registered 1 goal in 6 games over his tenure.