Locked on Devils- Lessons That Come With Losing In May 2023, New Jersey Devils forward Erik Haula [https://www.nhl.com/devils/player/erik-haula-8475287] stood in front of reporters and confidently stated, "I don't want to play for any other team. I want to come back here. Seems like the right spot for me, and this is my family. I don't want to go anywhere." A month later, Haula put pen to paper and signed a three-year, $9.45 million extension to remain with his on-ice family in New Jersey. Despite the team not advancing to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Haula missing the postseason for the first time in his career, the 33-year-old believes he is in an excellent position to continue to chase his dream of winning the Stanley Cup. "It is exciting to be on a team like the Devils, who are willing to do whatever it takes to get better and try to get there," Haula said in an interview with NHL Network. "I am right where I belong. I love the organization, my teammates, and the team. I am excited for the challenge again, and looking to have a really good summer and put everything on the table." New Jersey's general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, went to work once the 2023-24 campaign concluded. He addressed his team's roster and coaching needs, increasing the club's chances of playing for an opportunity to compete for the Cup. Once September hits, Haula will welcome Jacob Markstrom, Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, Johnathan Kovacevic [https://www.nhl.com/devils/player/johnathan-kovacevic-8480192], Paul Cotter, and Stefan Noesen into the locker room while welcoming back Tomas Tatar. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0NTE4NzUxNTQ5MjY5MzA3/nhl--new-york-rangers-at-new-jersey-devils-.jpg] Behind the bench, New Jersey hired Sheldon Keefe [https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/keefe-named-devils-head-coach-release] as head coach and Jeremy Colliton as assistant head coach. Haula told NHL Network that he already spoke to Keefe. "We had a good conversation. I think our identity will stay the same (and we will) play fast. As you can see, with the additions, we want to defend better," he said. "Talking with Keefe, expectations are going to be high for individuals and as a team. Accountability will be a big thing for our group, and I think he is the perfect guy for us. He is a younger guy who is hungry to win as well. With his experience in Toronto with those superstars and all that stuff, it is only going to help him be a better coach next year. I am really excited to work with him. Once again, good hire by Fitzgerald." The 2024-25 campaign marks the versatile veteran's 12th season in the NHL. With 690 career NHL games under his belt, he will once again be counted on both on the ice and in the locker room as one of the team's vocal leaders. To view Haula's full interview with NHL Network, click here [https://www.nhl.com/nhl-network/topic/nhln-latest-video/nhl-tonight-erik-haula-6358451457112].
