APPROVED DEAL: Estimating the Price to Re-sign Luke Evangelista and Other Nashville Predators with Expiring Contracts
🔄 Luke Evangelista: A Rising Star
Drafted 42nd overall in 2020, Evangelista signed a three-year, $2.775 million entry-level contract, which concludes at the end of the 2024–25 season. At 23, he is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA). This season, he carries a cap hit of $797,500 and a base salary of $775,000 .(Spotrac, puckpedia.com)
Evangelista’s development has been notable. After a modest rookie season, he has shown significant improvement, becoming a consistent contributor on the ice. His two-way play and offensive upside make him a valuable asset for the Predators.
Estimated Re-signing Terms:
- Contract Type: 2–3 years
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $1.5–2.5 million
- Qualifying Offer: Approximately $1.5 million(puckpedia.com)
A bridge deal would allow both the team and Evangelista to assess his continued development before committing to a long-term contract.(Medium)
🧠Other Key Players with Expiring Contracts
The Predators have several other players whose contracts are set to expire:(Reuters)
- Juuse Saros (G): Entering the final year of his contract, Saros is a cornerstone of the team’s goaltending. A long-term extension is likely, with an AAV around $5 million, aligning with his current cap hit.
- Andreas Englund (D): A depth defenseman, Englund’s future with the team depends on the Predators’ defensive strategy. A one-year extension at a similar cap hit of $1 million is plausible.(puckpedia.com)
- Kieffer Bellows (LW): A depth forward, Bellows’ role may be evaluated based on team needs. A one-year deal at his current cap hit of $282,520 could be considered.(Spotrac)
📊 Cap Space Considerations
With a projected cap space of approximately $8.7 million , the Predators have flexibility to re-sign key players and address roster needs. Prioritizing Evangelista’s extension is crucial, but the team must also consider other expiring contracts and potential acquisitions to strengthen the roster.(Spotrac)
🔮 Looking Ahead
The 2025 offseason is pivotal for the Predators. Re-signing Luke Evangelista and other key players will shape the team’s competitiveness in the coming seasons. Balancing financial flexibility with roster needs will be essential as the Predators aim to build a contending team.
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