The Nashville Predators opened training camp this week with one notable absence. Prized RFA Luke Evangelista remains on the sidelines as he’s yet to ink a new deal with the Preds.
The impasse between the Preds and the 23-year-old prompted plenty of speculation regarding a trade. None materialized, signaling the team is willing to stick with the rising star.
The latest news, coming from insider Pierre LeBrun in a September 18 piece in The Athletic, Evangelista and the Preds were close on a deal, but not quite that close. Lebrun wrote:
“As of Thursday afternoon, my sense was that both sides would do a two-year deal, but remained a fair bit apart on salary. There remains some movement needed here.”
The comments indicate that the Predators want to lock up the former second-round pick from 2020. But that situation, however, doesn’t seem quite so plausible at this point. But one thing is certain: Nashville is not parting ways with Evangelista.
As LeBrun noted, Preds’ GM Barry Trotz was adamant about Evangelista staying put. The club will not trade its top RFA. But the longer the situation drags on, the greater the sense of urgency.
That situation prompted LeBrun to write:
“My understanding is that talks will resume on Friday. The Preds really like the player, so they need to get this one done.”
It seems that it will come down to one side capitulating. Based on LeBrun’s comments, it could be the Preds who buckle first.
Predators gain nothing by having Evangelista sit out
The Predators gain absolutely nothing by having Luke Evangelista sit out during training camp. The time he misses could ultimately impact his performance this season. Sure, Evangelista could work out on his own, but it’s not quite the same situation.
The fact is that the Preds need to nip this situation in the bud now. Getting him signed, even to a two-year bridge deal, is something the club has to do. Otherwise, the damage could be far greater than anticipated.
It’s worth pointing out that the last time we saw a major RFA sit out during camp was Boston’s Jeremy Swayman last season. Swayman missed camp, signed at the last minute, and then jumped into the lineup.
His numbers reflected that situation.
Of course, skaters are much different from goalies in that regard. But one has to wonder just how much missing time during camp could affect Evangelista’s performance this season. That’s why it’s better to get something done now, even if it means kicking the can down the road, to avoid what could be a costly decision to miss preseason time.