Predators Acquire Erik Haula From Devils in Trade Deal

Nashville, Tenn. (June 18, 2025) – The Nashville Predators have acquired forward Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. General Manager Barry Trotz announced the news today.

“We are excited to have Erik join our team today,” Trotz said. “He brings great flexibility to our roster with the ability to play up and down the lineup in a variety of different roles. We are confident that he’ll be able to play alongside our young players, helping to accelerate their development.”

Haula, 34, played 69 games for the Devils during the 2024-25 season, recording 21 points with 11 goals and 10 assists. He also amassed 39 penalty minutes while averaging 14:42 of ice time per game. The 5-foot-11, 191-pound forward is noted for his physical play, recording 101 hits and blocking 35 shots during the season.

Originally selected by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL Draft, Haula made his NHL debut in the 2013-14 season. Over his career, he has accumulated 337 points from 153 goals and 184 assists in 759 games across several teams, including Minnesota, Vegas, Carolina, Florida, Boston, and New Jersey.

Haula’s previous stint with Nashville in the 2020-21 season saw him scoring 21 points over 51 games. He has also contributed 37 points in 78 playoff games, including a notable performance that helped lead the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018.

On the international stage, Haula has represented Finland multiple times, securing a silver medal at the 2014 World Championship and participating in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2011 World Junior Championship.

The Predators now hold nine selections in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, which will take place in Los Angeles from June 27-28. The team’s draft strategy includes three picks in the first round and several others throughout the subsequent rounds.