Nashville Predators May Be on the Verge of Losing Talented 23-Year-Old Due to Contract Dispute

The Nashville Predators are waiting to receive word from forward Luke Evangelista, who was issued a qualifying offer on June 30 as his three-year entry-level contract expired, as to whether he will accept it.

Luke Evangelista, a restricted free agent, has not signed the offer yet. NHL rules stipulate that qualifying offers must be signed no later than July 15, unless extensions in writing are made.

Even if the initial offer does expire, the Predators retain his rights and can still negotiate with him until the December 1 RFA signing deadline, at which point they risk losing him.

The 23-year-old right winger generated 32 points in 68 games last season and is viewed as a candidate for a second-line regular role in the future.

At 6 feet tall and with three seasons of NHL exposure, Evangelista fits the model of what general manager Barry Trotz wants to do to make the Predators younger and more physically punishing.

Barry Trotz indicated that Evangelista is a valuable part of the future of the team and that having him is a priority as Nashville rebuilds its roster.

The Predators were also busy in this offseason, acquiring Nick Perbix from Tampa Bay, Nic Hague from Vegas, and Erik Haula from New Jersey.

Those heading out include Jeremy Hanzel and Colton Sissons to Vegas, Jeremy Lauzon to New Jersey, and Marc Del Gaizo, who signed as a free agent with Montreal.

Evangelista's decision will go a long way to deciding the forward core of the Predators in 2025-26.