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

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 6:38 PM ET

The Nashville Predators are currently in a contract dispute with Luke Evangelista, which, if they don't come to an agreement soon, means they could lose him.

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.

'We're just trying to find a term that fits,' Trotz said on Evangelista's qualifying offer. 'I would like to go longer. The agents are hesitant to go longer on term.'

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.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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