Predators’ Forsberg calls Evangelista trade ‘a surprise’, but doesn’t think team is done making moves

There’s some intrigue in Music City, especially after the team seems to be poised to make more moves.

When speaking to reporters at the NHL Player Media Tour in Las Vegas, Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg was asked about his reaction to the team trading forward winger Luke Evangelista to the New Jersey Devils last week.

Forsberg admitted the trade was an eye-opener, but he has to trust what management is trying to accomplish.

“A little surprise for sure,” Forsberg said. “I thought he took a big step last year, becoming a top-six forward consistently for us and played great, especially down the stretch. I think him and [Steven Stamkos] and Factor had a great run there at the end. But at the same time, at this point, you trust the new management.”

Forsberg is referencing general manager Chris MacFarland, who was hired by the Preds in June after he departed from the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche. The Swedish star believes the Evangelista trade will trigger a trickle-down effect, with more moves on the way.

“Chris has made a lot of really good moves this summer. As of right now, a first- and second-round pick aren’t going to play for our team this year and replace those minutes that [Evangelist] had, but who knows what’s coming? I feel like the last turn might not have been turned in this whole thing, and that’s what’s exciting. Chris has a vision and executed a lot of it right away coming in, trading a couple players, signing a couple free agents, and I’m hoping this is one of those moves that makes us better in the end.”

The Predators are a team looking to improve off a promising 2025-26 season. The team went from the bottom of the Central Division to competing for a playoff spot. However, Nashville ended up falling short, missing the postseason for the second year in a row, and the third time in four years. Yet, it instilled some optimism in the franchise and the fanbase.