Reports: Luke Evangelista signs 2-year deal with Predators

Forward Luke Evangelista ended his training camp holdout and signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Nashville Predators on Friday, according to multiple reports.

Evangelista, 23, was a restricted free agent and will become a restricted free agent again after the 2026-27 season.

The Toronto native is considered one of the core young players that Nashville hopes will lead them back to prominence after the Predators recorded 68 points in the 2024-25, their fewest over a full season since their inaugural year in 1998-99.

Evangelista scored 10 goals and provided 22 assists in 68 games last season, after recording 16 goals and 23 helpers in 80 games during his second year in Nashville.

He did not report to training camp as the prolonged negotiations became contentious. Predators general manager Barry Trotz said recently he had no desire to trade Evangelista.

Nashville opens the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 9, hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets.