Haula is headed into the second year of a two-year deal that carries a $2.375M cap hit. With Zacha in need of a new contract as an RFA, Haula provides some cost certainty for the Devils ahead of the free agency window opening. Haula had 18 goals and 26 assists (44 points) in 78 games with the Bruins in 2022.
Haula missed two games while in COVID-19 protocol but was on the ice for Monday's practice and is expected to play Tuesday. Haula, who has 16 points (5G / 11A) in 40 games this season, was back between Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak in Monday's session.
Haula was a healthy scratch on Sunday but will replace Anton Blidh in the lineup on Tuesday. Haula has had a slow start to his Bruins career, scoring just one goal and two assists in 17 games.
Haula performed admirably in his third-line role for the Hurricanes after being acquired from Vegas in the off-season. Injuries limited him to just 41 games in a Carolina uniform, but he was able to register 12 goals and 10 assists while playing less than 16 minutes a night. He should play more of a top-six role now with the Panthers. Haula is set to become an unrestricted free-agent on July 1.
Based on line rushes in Monday's practice, it looks like Haula could sit Tuesday vs. the Jets. Haula has missed time due to a knee injury this season, so scratching him on Tuesday could be a way to give him an extra couple of days off before the Hurricanes bye week. Jordan Martinook would replace Haula if he's out.
Haula was not on the ice for Monday's practice or Tuesday's morning skate but head coach Rod Brind'Amour is hopeful that Haula will be available vs. Montreal. Since returning to the lineup on December 21st, Haula has two goals and two assists (four points) in four games.
Haula has missed the last 15 games with a knee injury but is expected to centre the third line on Saturday. Haula, who has eight goals and three assists (11 points) in 16 games, will skate with Ryan Dzingel and Martin Necas at even strength and should see PP2 time as well.
Haula returned to the Hurricanes lineup for two games but did not look 100 percent and head coach Rod Brind'Amour expects him to be out for an extended period of time. Haula will be replaced by Eetu Luostarinen moving forward.
Haula missed the last four games but will draw back into the lineup in Buffalo. Lucas Wallmark and the third line played well while Haula was out, so he will return on the fourth line with Brian Gibbons and Brock McGinn. Haula has eight goals and three assists (11 points) in 14 games this season.
Haula did not travel to Philadelphia and will be replaced by Haydn Fleury, who will dress as a seventh defenseman. Haula will be replaced by Lucas Wallmark on the third line and is listed as day-to-day.
Haula missed 67 games last season after suffering a lower-body injury that required him to be stretchered off of the ice in November. In his two seasons with Vegas, Haula had 62 points (31G / 31A) in 91 total games. Haula has one-year left at $2.75M AAV and the condition on the fifth-round pick is dependent on Haula re-signing in Carolina after next season.
Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant announced on Wednesday that Haula is “month-to-month” but wouldn’t say if he needed surgery. Haula will likely be out until at least mid-December and could be out much longer than that.
