Luke Evangelista

February 2023 – Evangelista has been called up to Nashville and is set to make his NHL debut. The 21-year-old winger has had an exceptional year with Milwaukee, scoring nine goals and 41 points in 49 games. With the Predators seemingly transitioning towards a rebuild, expect Evangelista’s chances in the NHL to come sooner rather than later. Curtis Rines

November 2022 – Evangelista has been off to a fantastic start to his first full pro season. In 17 contests, the Canadian winger has scored four goals and 16 points, which ranks second in team scoring. His offensive production from junior has so far translated quite well in the AHL, and he standouts as one of Nashville’s best forward prospects. Curtis Rines

May 2022 – With his OHL playoffs being unexpectedly cut short, the Predators have assigned Evangelista to the Milwaukee Admirals to join them for the post-season. In what was hoped to be a deep run to potentially the Memorial Cup, the London Knights were beat in seven games by the Kitchener Rangers in the first round. Evangelista scored two goals and six points in the seven-game series. Although the loss will hurt Evangelista as the Knights' captain, his regular season was one to remember. He finished the year fourth in points and first in goals for the OHL as he scored 55 goals and 111 points in 62 games played. The scoring winger will now look to transition to the pro game full-time after having a 14-game cameo in the 2020/21 season. Curtis Rines

March 2022 – What else can you say about Evangelista’s season? Through 41 games, he has 41 goals and 80 points. The London Knights captain has been simply sensational for one of the
OHL’s top teams and has opened the eyes of many Predators fans. If he can continue his tear down the stretch, especially in the playoffs, you can undoubtedly pencil him in for a roster spot on the Admirals in the AHL next season. Evangelista has the qualities of a future strong middle-six player who can contribute to the powerplay. Curtis Rines

December 2021 – After being invited to World Junior Selection Camp, Evangelista was unfortunately cut even with his current tear in the OHL. The London Knights winger and captain ranks second in the OHL in points per game with 20 goals and 40 points in 21 games. He has been a force to be reckoned with this season and upon his return from selection camp, expect much more of the same to continue down the stretch. Evangelista is quickly establishing himself as one of Nashville’s top prospects and could turn into a full-time pro as soon as next year. Curtis Rines

November 2021 – After being named captain of the London Knights at the start of the season, Evangelista has been hot out of the gates. He ranks ninth in OHL scoring, with 10 goals and 15 points in eight games played. His time in the AHL seemed to have paid off, as he looks dominant compared to his junior peers. If he continues to score at this pace, don’t be surprised to see Evangelista push for a spot on Canada’s roster at the World Juniors. Curtis Rines

April 2021 – Evangelista is finally seeing game time this season. With the delay in the OHL season kicking off, he is skating with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL. Evangelista recorded his first career pro point in the form of an assist. He continues to find his stride and rhythm. It’s been quite the jump for many prospects this season with limited junior options available and Evangelista appears to be in a similar trajectory. He has also recorded a handful of shots to this point and is focusing more on his overall game. In time, Evangelista’s mind will take over and he will make his mark.  Nicholas Kawka

October 2020 – The Predators drafted two-way winger Evangelista with their second-round pick. He can be described as a ‘toolsy’ player that can fit anywhere up and down the lineup.  His all-around game makes him an effective complementary player and he gels well with his linemates.  While Evangelista does not demonstrate one particular skillset as exceptional, his versatility is most coveted during in-game situations.  As with most young skaters, he will look to continue developing his physical frame. While playing in a strong organization in London, Evangelista is well-positioned to see a bump up in his scoring totals and playoff experience as London looks to remain competitive year in and year out. Nicholas Kawka

October 2020 – Evangelista was drafted 42nd overall by the Predators. Evangelista is expected to spend two more years in the OHL before turning pro.  Jokke Nevalainen

May 2020 – Luke Evangelista has been on the rise since the beginning of the season and his meat and potatoes game is what got him there. He doesn’t possess an overwhelming skillset in any sense but he has good hands and his shot is above average. What makes him so effective is his high-end motor and ability to play in the corners and around the net. He scores in bunches at times and most of his production doesn’t make the highlight reel. His skating will need work in terms of being able to pull away and generate a bit more explosion from his lower body. Despite having a willingness to engage in the tough areas of the offensive zone, Evangelista is a bit lanky still and if he wants to continue to play the game that makes him productive, he will need to bulk up a bit. He may be a bit of a slow burn as a prospect but there could be an effective top-nine forward at the NHL level if given the time to develop and get stronger. Tony Ferrari