Insider: Toronto-Born Forward in Predators Stalemate, Could Maple Leafs Eye a Trade?
Photo credit: Toronto Star
According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta, the Nashville Predators and Luke Evangelista aren't close to an extension as Toronto keeps an eye on a potential trade.
There is still discussion as we approach training camp about who the Maple Leafs might add at the last minute in order to ashore up their scoring depth. Linked to Jack Roslovic as the primary target to still go after; they have time but not a lot of cap or roster space.
While the team figures out a trade with some of their lesser pieces, they are still on the lookout for someone who could add some much needed help to their middle-six and give them some replacement for Mitch Marner.
Why Evangelista's Contract Stalemate Could Open Unexpected Doors
One name who popped up was Nashville's Luke Evangelista, as the hometown connection and reports that the two weren't close on a deal made things very interesting.
Well according to David Pagnotta, they are about to get a little more wild.
The insider noted that both sides are far apart on a deal and it seems Evangelista is the one who is tired of the talks, while the Preds try and give him a brief extension:
Earlier this week, I reported there's a sizeable gap between the Nashville Predators and restricted free agent forward Luke Evangelista. The two sides have continued to talk, but I'm told there is frustration from the player's end. This likely ends up in a bridge deal, but the main issue has been AAV.
That spells bad news for Nashville to lose out on a young forward, and fantastic news for the Maple Leafs who could end up preying on Evangelista's frustrations.
How the Maple Leafs Could Leverage a Rare RFA Opportunity
With the Maple Leafs well aware of how things can turn when it comes to re-signing their RFA's (Nick Robertson) it's a slippery slope that Nashville is on which means Evangelista could come tumbling into Toronto's lap.
Evangelista, 23, has 86 points in 172 career games since being drafted 42nd overall in 2020.
Nashville loaded up on veterans and it didn't really work out, although they are going to be giving it the exact same go this time around. If Evangelista is given less of a role, especially if he's feeling slighted by the team, it could push him out the door.
Which is why Toronto should be willing to give the Predators a decent haul in exchange for him. Bobby McMann comes to mind as someone who is older, but a late bloomer, so he can still contribute later on down the line.
The aforementioned Robertson needs a fresh start and would get much more time to figure it out in Nashville, meanwhile Evangelista can give Toronto a versatile forward who isn't so one-dimensional.
They could also sweeten the pot and give the Predators one of their last remaining picks from 2026 or 2027 and give them that youth aspect in the form of a draft choice to replace Evangelista down the line.
So we wait and see what goes down in Music City, but you can best believe that Brad Treliving has an ear out for whatever happens next.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 906 ANSWERS Insider: Toronto-Born Forward in Predators Stalemate, Could Maple Leafs Eye a Trade? Should Toronto trade for Luke Evangelista? | ||
| Yes | 359 | 39.6 % |
| No | 547 | 60.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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