Erik Haula Bio
Erik Haula (born 23 March 1991) is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round, 182nd overall, at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Haula has built a steady NHL career through speed, two-way responsibility, and the ability to play both center and wing. Over the years he has worn the jerseys of the Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils, developing into a reliable middle-six contributor known for his work ethic and hockey sense.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing roughly 191 pounds, Haula combines a compact frame with quick acceleration and a strong understanding of positional play. He is regarded as a versatile forward who can drive possession, kill penalties, and contribute offensively when given consistent linemates. His journeyman path through the league has made him a respected veteran presence in locker rooms across the NHL.
Early Life and Background
Erik Haula was born in Pori, Finland, on 23 March 1991. He grew up surrounded by the country’s deep hockey culture and began developing his game in the local youth system. In his formative years, Haula attended the Swedish-speaking Björneborgs svenska samskola, a school long recognized for producing talented ice hockey players. The bilingual and competitive environment of the school helped shape his early approach to the sport, reinforcing the discipline and structure that would later define his professional career.
Haula started playing organized ice hockey at his local club, HC Ässät Pori, where he progressed quickly through the age-group ranks. During the 2006–07 season, he posted 43 points in 29 games for the Ässät U18 team, showcasing offensive instincts well beyond his years. The following campaign saw him elevated to the Ässät U20 squad in the U20 SM-sarja, where he recorded 22 points in 40 games and reached the U20 finals, ultimately losing to KalPa.
His family has also played an important role in his hockey journey. Haula’s father, Tomi Haula, works as an agent who represents ice hockey players, giving Erik an early understanding of the professional side of the sport. With limited opportunities in Ässät’s SM-liiga lineup, the young forward eventually sought new challenges abroad, setting the stage for his move to North America.
Path to Hockey
Seeking a stronger development path, Haula moved to the United States to play for Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota, during the 2008–09 season. The prestigious prep school program is well known for producing NHL talent, and Haula thrived in that environment, tallying 24 goals and 55 assists for 79 points in 49 games. His performance drew attention from NCAA programs, and in March 2009 he committed to the University of Minnesota, becoming only the second player born outside of North America to suit up for the Gophers, following future Wild teammate Thomas Vanek of Austria.
Before enrolling in college, Haula spent the 2009–10 season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Omaha Lancers, a traditional development pipeline for top NCAA and NHL talent. He produced 28 goals and 44 assists with a plus-minus rating of +36, helping the Lancers reach the Western Division finals. His impressive rookie campaign earned him spots on both the USHL All-Star and All-Rookie teams, reinforcing his reputation as a skilled and intelligent two-way forward.
Haula then transitioned to the University of Minnesota, where he played three seasons of college hockey with the Gophers. Across 114 games at the NCAA level, he registered 42 goals, 82 assists, and 124 points, becoming one of the program’s most consistent performers. After completing his junior year, he opted to forgo his senior season and signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, officially beginning his professional career.
Erik Haula Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
On 7 April 2013, the Minnesota Wild signed Haula to an entry-level contract, launching his NHL journey. He spent much of his first professional season with the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL), refining his game at the professional level. On 29 November 2013, Minnesota recalled him for his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche, where he recorded his first NHL point, an assist, and was named the game’s third star in a 3–1 loss.
Haula scored his first NHL goal on 18 January 2014 against the Dallas Stars and continued to develop as a bottom-six contributor for the Wild. During the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs, he posted four goals and three assists in 13 games, demonstrating poise beyond his experience. After the 2014–15 season, he became a restricted free agent and filed for salary arbitration, ultimately signing a qualifying offer to remain with the organization.
Minnesota Wild Breakthrough (2015–2017)
The 2015–16 season marked a true breakthrough for Haula. Centering Minnesota’s third line alongside Nino Niederreiter and Jason Pominville, he set NHL personal bests in goals, assists, and points, more than doubling his previous totals. The trio became one of the Wild’s most effective units, excelling both offensively and as a shutdown line against the league’s top forwards.
Following the 2016–17 campaign, Haula was left exposed by the Wild for the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. He agreed to a three-year, $8.25 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming Minnesota’s required selection before being claimed by the expansion franchise. In exchange for selecting Haula, the Knights sent prospect Alex Tuch and a conditional third-round pick in 2018 to the Wild, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.
Vegas Golden Knights Era (2017–2019)
Haula joined the Golden Knights at a historic moment, helping the expansion team set records during its inaugural 2017–18 season. Placed on a line between David Perron and James Neal, he produced at a career-best level, finishing the regular season with 29 goals and 55 points in 76 games. On 1 February 2018, he scored a goal that helped Vegas set a record for most wins by an NHL team in its inaugural season, cementing his place in the franchise’s early history.
During the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, Haula delivered one of the most memorable moments in the Knights’ first postseason run, scoring the second overtime game-winning goal in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings to end the longest game in franchise history. He continued to contribute as Vegas swept the Kings, eliminated the San Jose Sharks in six games, and defeated the Winnipeg Jets in five to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
The 2018–19 season brought challenges, as Haula lost his previous linemates Perron and Neal. Moved to the wing on the second line with Max Pacioretty and Paul Stastny, he suffered a serious right knee injury after a hit from Toronto’s Patrick Marleau and was later placed on injured reserve, undergoing surgery in December 2018. The injury limited him to only a handful of games that season.
Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers Era (2019–2020)
On 26 June 2019, the Golden Knights traded Haula to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for prospect Nicolas Roy and a conditional fifth-round pick. He started the 2019–20 season strongly, posting eight points in nine games and earning praise from teammate Jordan Martinook as a perfect fit. However, a recurring knee injury limited his availability, and he missed significant time before being dealt at the trade deadline.
On 24 February 2020, the Hurricanes sent Haula, along with Lucas Wallmark, Eetu Luostarinen, and Chase Priskie, to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Vincent Trocheck. The trade capped a turbulent but productive stretch for Haula, who continued to demonstrate his value as a versatile and dependable forward even amid injury setbacks.
Nashville Predators and Boston Bruins Era (2020–2022)
On 23 December 2020, Haula signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Nashville Predators, joining the team ahead of the delayed 2020–21 season. He recorded 9 goals and 21 points in 51 games, providing secondary scoring and penalty-killing support. Following the expiration of that deal, he signed a two-year, $4.75 million contract with the Boston Bruins on 28 July 2021.
In Boston, Haula centered a line with Jake DeBrusk and Nick Foligno during training camp and the pre-season. He scored his first Bruins goal on 13 November 2021 in a 5–2 win over the New Jersey Devils and finished the campaign with 18 goals and 44 points in 78 games, his best offensive totals since the 2017–18 season. His veteran presence helped stabilize Boston’s forward group during a competitive regular season.
New Jersey Devils and Return to Nashville (2022–2025)
On 13 July 2022, Haula was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Pavel Zacha, bringing his experience to a young and fast-paced roster. The following summer, on 23 June 2023, he signed a three-year, $9.45 million extension with the Devils, further committing to the team’s competitive window. His time in New Jersey was marked by steady production and a leadership role in the locker room.
On 18 June 2025, the Devils traded Haula back to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in 2025. The move reunited him with the organization where he had previously enjoyed success, signaling a new chapter in his veteran career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Haula is widely regarded as a quick, agile forward with strong hockey sense and an ability to read the play at both ends of the ice. His strengths include skating speed, two-way responsibility, versatility to play center or wing, and dependable penalty-killing ability. Throughout his career, he has thrived when paired with linemates who can capitalize on his work ethic and transition play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Haula’s most memorable career moments is his overtime winner in Game 1 of the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings, a goal that ended the longest game in Golden Knights history. He also played a key role in helping the expansion franchise set the NHL record for most wins by a first-year team. Reaching the 2018 Stanley Cup Final with Vegas remains the defining team achievement of his career.
Erik Haula Career Wins
Erik Haula’s professional résumé is built on consistent contributions rather than major individual trophies. His most celebrated achievements came during his career-best 2017–18 season with the Vegas Golden Knights, when he set personal bests in goals, assists, and points. Reaching the Stanley Cup Final that same year remains the pinnacle of his postseason success.
Vegas Golden Knights Highlights
During the 2017–18 season, Haula produced a career-high 29 goals and 55 points in 76 games, playing a central role in the Golden Knights’ historic inaugural run. He added important goals throughout the playoffs, including the memorable overtime winner against the Kings in Game 1. The Knights’ march to the Stanley Cup Final showcased Haula at his most impactful.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Vegas tenure, Haula posted strong numbers during his time with the Boston Bruins in 2021–22, finishing with 18 goals and 44 points in 78 games, his best totals since 2017–18. His consistent production across multiple organizations underscores his value as a reliable, versatile NHL forward.
Erik Haula Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While Erik Haula does not come from a traditional racing family, his background in Finnish hockey culture has played a defining role in his development. His father, Tomi Haula, works as an agent who represents professional ice hockey players. Growing up in such an environment provided Erik with an early and detailed understanding of the professional game, helping shape his disciplined approach to the sport.
Personal Life
Haula attended the Swedish-speaking Björneborgs svenska samskola in his youth, a school long recognized for producing talented ice hockey players. His bilingual upbringing and Finnish-Swedish heritage have been an important part of his personal identity. Beyond these public details, Haula maintains a relatively private personal life focused on family and his ongoing professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Following his trade back to the Nashville Predators on 18 June 2025, Erik Haula returns to an organization where he previously enjoyed offensive success. The Predators view him as a reliable middle-six forward capable of contributing secondary scoring, penalty-killing support, and veteran leadership. His familiarity with the franchise and the city should help him transition quickly into the lineup at the start of the 2025–26 campaign.
Throughout the 2025 season, Haula is expected to slot into a depth role that highlights his two-way strengths and skating ability. With Nashville continuing its competitive rebuild, his experience on teams like the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils adds valuable perspective to a roster blending youth and veterans. His ability to adapt to different line combinations will be a key storyline to follow throughout the year.
Heading into the 2025–26 season, Haula’s primary objectives will be to provide consistent production, mentor younger forwards, and remain healthy after several injury-plagued campaigns. While he may not be counted on for top-line duties, his track record of stepping up in big moments suggests he can still play a meaningful role in the Predators’ push for a playoff spot.