After a trade that sent the 37th overall pick to the Minnesota Wild, the Nashville Predators selected Luke Evangelista with the 42nd overall pick at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. A winger from the OHL’s London Knights, Evangelista scored 23 goals and 61 points in 62 games in the 2019-20 season, including 37 primary points at even-strength play.
Ranked 73rd on my final draft ranking, Evangelista is a good skater with a few mechanical issues that need some tuning up. He plays with a wide base that’s useful in positioning, winning puck battles, and securing puck protection. His passing skill is underrated, he has a nice scoring touch (especially in high-danger areas), and he takes solid angles with his head up on the forecheck. I could also see him being a useful penalty killer at the NHL level.
Evangelista will return to London for the 2020-21 season.