2013-14 Season In Review: Erik Haula

Photo: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Haula at yo boys!

Stats

Iowa (AHL): 31 GP, 14 G, 13 A, 27 P, 14 PIM, 80 SOG
Minnesota (NHL): Regular Season-46 GP, 6 G, 9 A, 15 P, 29 PIM, 56 SOG
                             Playoffs-13 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P, 0 PIM, 29 SOG

Review

After starting the season in Iowa, Haula was recalled from Iowa. Over the next three months Haula was up and down between Minnesota and Iowa, serving as a fourth line center when with Minnesota. It wasn't until the end of February when Haula was recalled for good, but still playing on the fourth line. With the struggles of Kyle Brodziak this year, Haula was given more ice time late in the season and eventually took the third line center position during the playoffs. Haula paced the Wild in goals this postseason (tied with Granlund and Parise), while using that elite speed to his advantage.

Highlights

Status for 2014-15

Haula will be in the final year of his entry level contract next season. It will come with a $900,000 cap hit to the Wild. What remains to be seen is if Haula will be starting next year on the third line or fourth line. Haula figures to get first crack at the third line center role again next season, but that will most likely depend on how strong of a training camp/preseason he has.


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