Four Players Who Have Most to Gain in Nashville Predators Preseason
By Chad Minton
Evangelista Looks to Build Off NHL Debut Season, Enters 2023-24 as a Rookie
Although Luke Evangelista‘s starting role with the Nashville Predators should unequivocally be safe, where he will initially be placed is to be determined.
Evangelista will be designated as a rookie as he only played in 24 games on the NHL level. He put up an impressive 15 points in those games and even treated us to a two-goal performance in just his fourth NHL games. Incredible.
In the preseason we’re going to be looking for Evangelista to carry over what he did in his first 24 games of action. But not just that, but also hopefully some progression in other areas of his game. We already know with high clarity that this guy is going to be an offensive playmaker and goal scorer.
Now the question is this; is Evangelista ready for top line responsibilities alongside most likely veterans Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly? That’s something he has to show us in preseason action, and if he performs well, then I say you give him a shot against Tampa Bay to open the 2023-24 campaign.
Of course, if Evangelista struggles in the preseason and shows some areas in need of improvement to garner a top line role, maybe Head Coach Brunette takes the more patient approach and goes elsewhere for top line duties. At least initially.
Evangelista will also be attending the NHLPA Rookie Showcase on September 5, respresenting the Predators alongside other NHL rookie standouts like Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and Logan Cooley.