What happened: The new contract carries a reported $7.25 million average annual value, putting the total at $36.25 million over five years. Its start in 2027-28 pushes the commitment beyond the upcoming preseason and into the club's longer-range cap picture.

Why it matters: The move removes near-term contract uncertainty around a player New Jersey just acquired this month. It also deepens the club's investment in Evangelista after his early-September move, turning a recent addition into a longer-term piece before the season setup takes shape.

What to watch: The next details to watch are the full structure of the deal and how quickly Evangelista is slotted into camp plans. Any follow-up roster decisions around the forward group will show how central that extension is right away.