Luke Evangelista’s fifth NHL season began with a dramatic detour: a flight from Ontario to Nashville was abruptly canceled, leaving the 31‑year‑old forward stranded and scrambling to find alternate travel. The misadventure forced him to miss key pre‑season preparations, raising questions about how the Blues will manage his absence during the crucial build‑up period. Behind the headlines, the incident highlights the logistical challenges athletes face and the ripple effects a single travel hiccup can have on a team’s roster and readiness.

Luke Evangelista was all packed. His journey was supposed to take him from his home province of Ontario to Nashville, Tennessee, a 641-mile trip to begin his fifth NHL season. His flight was booked ...