Future Of Erik Haula & Devils Looks Very Clear

General manager of the New Jersey Devils, Tom Fitzgerald, was extremely happy with the season that Erik Haula had after acquiring him in a trade last offseason. It was originally a deal that made some question it due to the age and potential of Pavel Zacha heading to the Boston Bruins. While Zacha had a great year, Fitzgerald said that he'd take that trade seven days a week.

Fitzgerald also stated that, "he was and he is the player type that we needed to help us continue to move the ship forward." Haula did play a key role for the Devils this season in a middle-six role, scoring 14 goals and 41 points, but contributing a ton all over the ice. He spent a lot of time on the penalty kill and regularly played on the power play as well. He had a great faceoff percentage and plays physically.

Haula is an unrestricted free agent and "he wasn't hiding how much he wants to come back. Fitzgerald said he talked to his agent and told him he will sit down and talk extension. Haula made $2.375 million AAV on his last contract and outperformed that this season. Even though he wants to stick around in New Jersey, he deserves a raise. This might become tough since the team also wants to bring back more expensive players like Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt. If the two sides want to get a deal done, it is likely Haula will be playing for the Devils next season.