Trade incoming? New York Rangers spotted scouting central division matchup
Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Could the New York Rangers be working on a trade with the Nashville Predators in the future? Rangers scouts were seen at the Predators game in the United Center on Friday.
Does GM Chris Drury have something up his sleeve? While the March trade deadline isn't here yet, it doesn't mean that scouting stops.
For the Rangers and 31 other NHL teams, we have to assume that scouts are out and about on a nightly basis, catching NHL games whenever they can and evaluating talent afterward.
For the Rangers who've undergone an unofficial "retool" by shipping out veterans like Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, and even young players like Kaapo Kakko, you have to wonder what is next for Drury and the team.
Is there a trade incoming from the New York Rangers for the Nashville Predators' Luke Evangelista?
Are the New York Rangers scouting forward Luke Evangelista of the Nashville Predators?
Evangelista was selected 42nd overall in the 2nd-round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He'd make his NHL debut on February 23rd, 2023, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Since his first recall to the NHL, he's been a regular in the Predators' lineup and has played 194 games in the league, scoring 101 points (36-65).
In 2025-26, he's played 23 games and scored 15 points (3-12) as a top-six forward flanking Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamkos.
Here's what ESPN's Chris Peters had to say about the winger:
"He averaged nearly a point per game and kept up with 2019 first-rounder Connor McMichael, which is no small task. It takes a smart player to help maximize the talents of better teammates, and in my viewings, Evangelista was more than a passenger."
He could be a great addition to a Rangers team that needs more help up front, and could be another building block long-term future, which involves a Stanley Cup win.
Where they're struggling to be right now.
Evangelista concludes his rookie season in 2023-24 with 39 points and is primed for a bright future in the NHL.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 30 | 86 ANSWERS Trade incoming? New York Rangers spotted scouting central division matchup If you were GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers, would you trade for forward Luke Evangelista of the Nashville Predators? | ||
| Yes | 39 | 45.3 % |
| No | 47 | 54.7 % |
| List of polls | ||