Report: Haula could sign with Golden Knights before expansion list finalized

Minnesota Wild forward Erik Haula could find his way to Vegas before the expansion draft is finalized, as his agent, Jay Grossman, and Golden Knights general manager George McPhee are engaged in ongoing talks regarding a contract for the restricted free agent, reports Michael Russo of The Star Tribune.

McPhee and the Golden Knights hold exclusive rights to negotiate contracts with both unrestricted and restricted free agents before they submit their official expansion roster Wednesday.

If Haula winds up signing a deal in Sin City, it would help the Wild dodge a big bullet, as Vegas wouldn't be able to claim the likes of Eric Staal, Matt Dumba, and Marco Scandella, who Minnesota left exposed.

Haula, 26, netted a career-high 15 goals last season in 72 games with the Wild, totaling 26 points.