Evangelista set to rejoin Devils for Avalanche matchup
New Jersey winger Luke Evangelista will return Tuesday against Colorado after missing three games with an illness. Coach Sheldon Keefe said Evangelista looked good in practice and should give the Devils a boost. Evangelista, acquired from Nashville in the offseason, has two goals and one assist in five games this season.
Luke Evangelista is expected back in New Jersey’s lineup Tuesday when Colorado visits. The winger sat out three consecutive games because of illness, and coach Sheldon Keefe said after Monday’s practice that Evangelista appeared ready to contribute.
The Devils obtained Evangelista from Nashville during the summer, sending a conditional 2028 first-round selection and a 2028 second-rounder to the Predators. In five appearances this season, he has two goals, one assist, a minus-1 rating and averages 17:13 on ice. Last season he recorded career-best 56 points (12 goals, 44 assists) in 81 games.
The return of a prominent winger could affect Devils fans, teammates, and the team’s competitive position, especially as New Jersey seeks to move above .500. A healthier lineup may improve on-ice results, which could influence attendance, local game-day spending, and fan engagement in the Newark area. For Evangelista, resuming play may support his performance and contract expectations, though one game’s impact should not be overstated.