Predators Acquire First-Round and Second-Round Picks in 2028 NHL Draft From New Jersey

The Nashville Predators have traded forward Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Colorado's conditional 2028 first-round pick and New Jersey's 2028 second-round pick, as announced by GM Chris MacFarland on September 1, 2026. The conditional pick may convert to Colorado's 2029 first-rounder if Colorado's 2027 first-round pick is not transferred to Toronto or if the 2028 pick falls in the top 10. The deal gives Nashville seven picks in the first two rounds across the next two drafts, including three first-rounders, and 11 total picks in the 2028 NHL Draft.