Luke Evangelista, London Knights (OHL)
You see prospects really take off in their development after getting time in the OHL. Both Philip Tomasino and Egor Afanasyev have taken that path, and now Luke Evangelista is getting extensive time there.
Evangelista is a 2020 second-round draft pick by the Predators and is already signed to an entry-level contract through 2024. He’s already had extensive time in the OHL with nearly 100 games of experience in that league.
In the current 2021-22 OHL season for the Knights, Evangelista is wearing the captain’s patch and living up to it with 10 points in six games. Check out one of his latest goals highlighting his finishing ability and speed, courtesy of the OHL social media account:
Shorthanded game winner from @PredsNHL prospect Luke Evangelista (@levang22) pushes the @LondonKnights to 6-0! pic.twitter.com/iFfHVFd56m
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 23, 2021
Evangelista’s scouting report from EliteProspects illustrates him as a strong all-around player. He doesn’t just bring you offensive production, but is also solid as a defensive forward and who can quickly get the puck back up ice.
As Evangelista continues to dominate the OHL, he’ll eventually get his AHL opportunity with the Admirals before being in the mix for NHL minutes. He’s still a little ways away from that at age 19.