- Devils sign Luke Evangelista to a five-year, $36.25 million extension that starts in 2027-28
- More than 60 percent of the deal is paid in signing bonuses because it was registered before midnight
- Read below for the year-by-year money and what New Jersey gave up to get him
The Devils beat the clock on Luke Evangelista.
New Jersey signed the 24-year-old winger to a five-year, $36.25 million extension late Tuesday night, and more than 60 percent of that money comes in signing bonuses. The team put out the announcement just after 11 p.m. ET.
That bonus structure is why the clock mattered. Chris Johnston of The Athletic said the deal only cleared because New Jersey registered it minutes before midnight, right ahead of the new CBA taking effect.
Elliotte Friedman had the terms out before the team did. Five years at a $7.25 million cap hit, beginning in 2027-28.
Evangelista gets his money up front. The first year pays $9.7 million, the second $8.26 million, the third $6.12 million, and the last two $6.085 million each.
He still plays this coming season on the $3 million cap hit he signed with Nashville last October. The raise does not land until 2027-28.
Eight years was still on the table right up to that deadline, and Evangelista did not get it. Tuesday was the last day for eight-year contracts, with the new agreement capping re-signings at seven.
The Sept. 1 trade that brought him in cost two picks: a conditional 2028 first-rounder originally belonging to Colorado, plus New Jersey’s own 2028 second.
Last season was the best of his career. The Toronto native put up 12 goals and 44 assists for 56 points in 81 games and finished second on the Predators in helpers. He has 142 points in 253 NHL games since Nashville took him 42nd overall in 2020.
New Jersey opens the preseason against the Islanders on Sept. 20 and starts the regular season at home against the Flyers on Oct. 1.
