The Nashville Predators are preparing to host the Columbus Blue Jackets to open the season on October 9th. The team was in a stalemate with a restricted free agent, but has now re-signed Luke Evangelista to a two-year $6 million deal . While the stalemate is over between the two sides, it may not be the best deal for both sides.

Evangelista was the No. 42 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators. The Canadian forward saw his first NHL action in the 2022-23 season, playing in 24 games and finding 15 points. He broke out the next season, playing in 80 games, lighting the lamp 16 times and adding 23 helpers. In 2024-25, Evangelista dealt with injuries, but still played in 68 games. In that season, he scored ten times while adding 22 assists.

While he did miss time with an i

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