Luke Evangelista
Luke Evangelista is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League. Born in Toronto, Ontario, he was a second-round selection of the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and developed into a top offensive talent in the Ontario Hockey League. His career took a significant turn in September 2026 when he was traded to the Devils, where he subsequently signed a long-term contract extension. Evangelista represents the next generation of skilled Canadian forwards making an impact in the NHL.
Early Life and Junior Career
Luke Evangelista was born on February 21, 2002, in Toronto, Ontario. He began his hockey journey playing youth hockey with the Oakville Rangers in the SCTA before advancing to the major junior level. His major junior career was spent entirely with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, a renowned franchise known for developing NHL talent. The 2020-21 OHL season was first delayed and later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the development path for many junior players across Canada. Despite the season's cancellation, the Nashville Predators, who had selected him 42nd overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, signed Evangelista to a three-year, entry-level contract on November 9, 2020.
Evangelista returned to the London Knights for the 2021-22 season, where he was named team captain. He delivered a spectacular offensive performance, leading the Knights in all major scoring categories. In just 62 regular season games, he recorded 55 goals and 56 assists for a total of 111 points. His 55 goals led the entire Ontario Hockey League that season, which cemented his status as a top prospect within the Predators organization. This dominant junior season set the stage for his transition to professional hockey the following year.
Professional Career with Nashville Predators
After participating in the Nashville Predators' training camp ahead of the 2022-23 season, Evangelista was assigned to the team's American Hockey League affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. He adapted quickly to the professional game, immediately earning a role on the Admirals' top scoring line. His offensive skills translated effectively, and he was leading the team in scoring when he earned a selection to represent Milwaukee at the AHL All-Star Classic during the 2022-23 season. This recognition highlighted his rapid development and importance to the Admirals' lineup. Evangelista received his first NHL recall by the Predators on February 28, 2023, and made his debut that same night in a 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Just a few games later, on March 3, 2023, he recorded his first NHL point, an assist on a goal by Matt Duchene in a 2-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. His first NHL goals followed shortly after, as he scored twice against the Vancouver Canucks in a 4-3 shootout loss on March 7, 2023. These milestones marked the beginning of his NHL career, where he continued to develop over the subsequent seasons with Nashville.
Trade to New Jersey Devils and New Contract
A major shift in Luke Evangelista's career occurred on September 1, 2026, when the Nashville Predators traded him to the New Jersey Devils. The trade sent Evangelista to New Jersey in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft and a second-round pick in the same draft. This move signified the Devils' commitment to adding a young, skilled forward to their core. Shortly after the trade, on September 15, 2026, Evangelista and the Devils agreed to a five-year contract extension worth a total of $36,250,000.
The contract carries an average annual value and salary cap hit of $7,250,000 per season. This long-term deal demonstrates the Devils' view of Evangelista as a key piece of their future. Following the trade, Evangelista publicly discussed his transition, including an appearance on the NHL Network's 'NHL Tonight' program to talk about his first game with his new team, a 3-2 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. His integration into the Devils' lineup began with the 2026-27 NHL season, where he continued his professional career with a new franchise.
Playing Style and NHL Statistics
Luke Evangelista is a right-shooting right winger listed at 6 feet tall and 185 pounds. His playing style is defined by his offensive instincts, goal-scoring touch, and playmaking ability, attributes he displayed at every level from junior hockey to the professional ranks. In the EA SPORTS NHL 27 video game, his overall player rating is an 85, reflecting his status as a skilled top-nine forward with potential for growth. His career trajectory shows a player who has consistently produced points, culminating in an NHL career-high 56 points during the 2025-26 season with the Predators. His professional statistics illustrate his development from a promising prospect to an established NHL player.
Luke Evangelista played his major junior career with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. He was drafted 42nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He made his professional debut with the Predators' AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, in the 2020-21 season. He was traded to the New Jersey Devils on September 1, 2026.
| Season | Team (League) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) | 4 |
| 2021-22 | London Knights (OHL) | 111 |
| 2022-23 | Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) | Led Team |
| 2022-23 | Nashville Predators (NHL) | 3 |
In his final OHL season, Evangelista led the league with 55 goals and 111 points in 62 games. He made his NHL debut with the Predators on February 28, 2023. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on March 3, 2023, and his first two NHL goals on March 7, 2023. He achieved an NHL career-high 56 points in the 2025-26 season.
Personal Life and Family
Luke Evangelista is the son of Andrew and Margaret Evangelista and has two sisters named Maria and Sophia. His family connections extend into notable Canadian public life through distant relations. He is a second cousin to supermodel Linda Evangelista, a globally recognized figure from St. Catharines, Ontario. He is also a second cousin to Brendan Shanahan, the Hall of Fame NHL player and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs. These familial ties link him to prominent personalities in both the fashion and hockey industries, though his own path has been firmly carved through his own athletic achievements and dedication to the sport.
Career Highlights and Recognition
Luke Evangelista was selected to represent the Milwaukee Admirals at the AHL All-Star Classic during the 2022-23 season. He led the Ontario Hockey League in goals and points during the 2021-22 season. He served as the captain of the London Knights for the 2021-22 season. His performance led to his first NHL recall and debut in 2023.
- Selected 42nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
- Named captain of the London Knights for the 2021-22 OHL season.
- Led the Ontario Hockey League in goals (55) during the 2021-22 season.
- Led the London Knights in points (111) and assists (56) in the 2021-22 season.
- Selected to represent the Milwaukee Admirals at the AHL All-Star Classic in the 2022-23 season.
- Scored his first NHL goal on March 7, 2023, against the Vancouver Canucks.
- Traded to the New Jersey Devils on September 1, 2026, for significant draft capital.
His trade to the New Jersey Devils involved a conditional first-round pick and a second-round pick in 2028. Following the trade, he signed a five-year contract extension with the Devils on September 15, 2026. The contract is worth $36,250,000 with a salary cap hit of $7,250,000 per season. This investment signifies his expected role as a key player for the Devils.
Questions about Luke Evangelista
Which NHL team drafted Luke Evangelista?
Luke Evangelista was drafted by the Nashville Predators. He was selected in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three year entry level contract with the Predators on November 9, 2020. After developing in their system, including time with their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee, he made his NHL debut with Nashville on February 28, 2023. He was later traded to the New Jersey Devils on September 1, 2026.
What was Luke Evangelista's major junior hockey career like?
Luke Evangelista played major junior hockey for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League. His youth career began with the Oakville Rangers in the SCTA. His most outstanding junior season was 2021 22, when he captained the Knights. That year, he led the entire OHL with 55 goals and also led his team with 56 assists for 111 total points in only 62 regular season games, dominating all offensive categories.
What is the value of Luke Evangelista's contract with the Devils?
Luke Evangelista's contract with the New Jersey Devils is a five year deal worth $36,250,000. He signed this extension on September 15, 2026, shortly after being acquired via trade. The contract carries an average annual value and salary cap hit of $7,250,000 per season. This long term commitment signifies the Devils' view of him as a core player for their future.
Is Luke Evangelista related to Brendan Shanahan?
Yes, Luke Evangelista is a second cousin to Brendan Shanahan. Brendan Shanahan is a Hockey Hall of Famer and an executive with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Luke is also a second cousin to the renowned supermodel Linda Evangelista. He is the son of Andrew and Margaret Evangelista and has two sisters named Maria and Sophia, but he has forged his own professional hockey path independently.
What are Luke Evangelista's player attributes in NHL 27?
In the EA SPORTS NHL 27 video game, Luke Evangelista has an overall player rating of 85. This rating is a numerical representation of his skills as a professional hockey player within the game's simulation. At the time of this rating, he was listed as playing for the New Jersey Devils. The score of 85 indicates he is considered a high caliber offensive forward in the game.
Sources and further reading
- Luke Evangelista (Wikipedia)
- Evangelista joins NHL Tonight (nhl.com)
Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-24.
