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4d ago

Devils Sign Luke Evangelista to Five-Year, $36.25 Million Extension

Front-loaded signing bonuses were registered before new CBA limits took effect, creating near-term cap and roster planning implications for New Jersey.

Image
Feb 4, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) knocks the puck down against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jan 3, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Devils announced late Tuesday that they signed 24-year-old winger Luke Evangelista to a five-year extension worth $36.25 million that begins in the 2027–28 season.
  • Evangelista will play the 2026–27 season on his existing $3 million deal before the new contract takes effect and carries a $7.25 million average annual value once active.
  • The contract is heavily front-loaded with a large share paid as signing bonuses — reported at more than 60% of the deal by some sources and as high as roughly 75% by PuckPedia — and lists year-by-year payouts of $9.7M, $8.26M, $6.12M, $6.085M and $6.085M.
  • New Jersey acquired Evangelista from Nashville on Sept. 1 in a trade that sent a conditional 2028 first-round pick (Colorado’s pick with conditions) and the Devils’ 2028 second-round pick to the Predators.
  • The signing was timed to precede CBA changes that cap signing bonuses and shorten allowable terms, a move that reflects a leaguewide push to lock up young players and that will force the Devils to adjust short- and medium-term cap and roster planning.