Haula missed the Devils' previous game with an upper-body injury but will return to the lineup Tuesday as they take on Montreal. The 32-year-old was having a great start to 2023-24, with two goals, an assist, nine SOG, four PIMs, and a +1 plus/minus in three games played. He is expected to return to his third-line centre role as he renters the Devils' lineup.
Haula is day-to-day and his status remains unclear for the Devils' next game on Friday against the New York Islanders. So far this season, Haula has primarily centred a third line with Dawson Mercer and Alexander Holtz. He has been very effective in this role and is off to a great start, with three points (2G / 1A), nine shots, and four hits in three games.
Haula is battling an undisclosed injury and his status for the Devils' opening game is uncertain. Last season was Haula's first with the Devils, in which he scored 41 points (14G / 27A) in 80 games. Haula is projected to center a talented third line between Ondrej Palat and Alexander Holtz but if he is unable to play, Michael McLeod might temporarily fill his position.
Haula had 14 goals, 27 assists, 164 SOG, 47 PIMs and a +13 plus/minus through 80 games in his first season in New Jersey in 2022-23 and has signed a three-year contract extension ($3.15 Million AAV) with the Devils on Friday. The 32-year-old left-winger is entering his 11th NHL season having suited up for seven different teams along that span and collecting 281 points (126G/155A) through 614 career games.
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.
