Haula signed a three-year, $9.45 million contract.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Erik Haula was tired when he spoke to the media on Thursday, June 23. But when he joined the Zoom call it was not exhaustion that overtook his expression; it was relief and satisfaction.
Before stepping onto a plane for a two-week vacation in Finland to visit family and friends, he signed a three-year contract to remain in New Jersey.
"When I traded for Erik, we talked about how he was the type of player that we needed to help us continue to move the group forward," said general manager Tom Fitzgerald in the team's press release. "He played key minutes in all situations throughout the season- power play, penalty kill, taking faceoffs- and provided leadership for our team. At the end of the season, he told me how much he wanted to be a part of what we are building here in New Jersey, and I'm glad we could quickly get a deal done that gives him a place to lay down roots with his family."
The 32-year-old finally has the stability he and his family have been looking for, which includes his wife Kristen, and son Henrik who is affectionately known as "Henny."
"I really wanted to get it done before I hopped on the plane to Finland," he said. "It's something that's been on my mind a lot, and it's a situation that I don't really enjoy being in. I'm really happy that we could come to an agreement with (Fitzgerald) and the Devils organization, and I (was able to) kind of relax on the plane and can enjoy my time here in Finland with family and friends."
Haula and his family have had quite the adventure since the 2016-17 season living all over the country from Las Vegas to North Carolina, Florida, Nashville, Boston, and now New Jersey.
"Everywhere we've gone, there's been a lot of uncertainty. When you're wanting to grow the family, it's not that easy when you're moving every single year," he said. "I'm glad how it worked out, and now can focus on finding a house."
In addition to giving his family the security they have been looking for, he committed to a team with a bright future that puts him in a position to accomplish something he has not yet achieved in his 10-year career. Win the Stanley Cup.
The Devils' window to contend opened during the 2022-23 campaign. They were a top team in the league throughout the regular season, and while they took teams by surprise last season, that won't be the case moving forward. Many have the Devils as one of the frontrunners for the 2024 Stanley Cup, including Bet MGM.
"I always talk about just having a chance to compete for the Cup, and I think this is a place where I'm going to have an opportunity to do that for multiple years to come," Haula said. "I'm really excited with the direction of the team and where we're headed."
The versatile veteran will be back in Minnesota around July 6 and with training camp opening in late September he will take time to relax before refocusing on what's ahead including bringing the best version of himself to camp as things get underway for the 2023-24 campaign.