The Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators] have been waiting patiently for the decision on forward Luke Evangelista. Evangelista was extended a qualifying offer on June 30 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-extend-qualifying-offer-to-forward-luke-evangelista], the day before the free agency market was set to open. Evangelista had reached the end of his entry-level contract, which was three years in length at $2,392,500, with an annual salary of $797,500. However, since being presented with the qualifying offer, Evangelista and his management have yet to accept. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/fixing-defense-was-focus-for-trotz-nashville-predators-in-free-agency] According to the NHL [https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-free-agency], players have until July 15 to accept a qualifying offer, after which it will expire. The Predators could extend the offer in writing to ensure it doesn't expire under the deadline. Evangelista is a restricted free agent, meaning that if he doesn't resign, his negotiating rights still belong to the Predators. The Predators can still reoffer Evangelista until December 1, which is the RFA deadline. When offered a entry level contract, and reaching the end of that contract, the player becomes a restricted free agent. General manager Barry Trotz emphasized the importance of retaining Evangelista, [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/fixing-defense-was-focus-for-trotz-nashville-predators-in-free-agency] stating that he is "the future" of the team. "We're just trying to find a term that fits," Trotz said on Evangelista's qualifying offer. "I would like to go longer. The agents are hesitant to go longer on term." Last season, Evangelista scored 32 points in 68 games and has the potential to earn a permanent spot on the second line this season, if he chooses to stay with the Predators. Trotz has mentioned that two of the main focuses for the Predators have been to get younger and bigger. At 6 feet and 23 years old, with three seasons under his belt, keeping Evangelista is key to establishing that identity. In the offseason, the Predators have brought in three players: Nick Perbix [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/defenseman-nick-perbix-confident-nashville-predators-will-be-a-different-team-from-last-season](Tampa), Nic Hague [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/newly-signed-nashville-predators-defenseman-nic-hague-wants-to-add-offensive-depth-to-own-game] (Vegas) and Erik Haula [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/erik-haula-returns-to-nashville-as-predators-trade-jeremy-hanzel-draft-pick-to-devils] (New Jersey). On the other end, they've dealt Jeremy Hanzel (New Jersey), Jeremy Lauzon (Vegas) and Colton Sissons (Vegas). Marc Del Gaizo [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-free-agent-marc-del-gaizo-signs-with-canadiens] also signed as a free agent with Montreal.
