Haula hopes to build legacy with Golden Knights
There's no getting around it, the 2017-18 season will be one of many firsts for Erik Haula and his newly-created team.
The 26-year-old was plucked by the Vegas Golden Knights during the expansion draft from the Minnesota Wild and is now eager to get started with the league's first expansion franchise in 17 years.
"It's exciting," Haula said, according to NHL.com's Jessi Pierce. "I'll always love Minnesota but I'm looking forward to starting something new. It's great. (It's a) new team - everything is going to be new.
"You're starting to build your own legacy. Nothing has happened (in Vegas) before. Everything is new. It's a great opportunity for everybody, so you just start building from there. Everyone is new, so we've just got to kick it into gear as fast as possible and spend a lot of time with the guys on the team and get to know each other. I'm really excited for this opportunity in my career."
Haula played the first four years of his career with Minnesota after the Wild selected him in the seventh round in 2009. And because of that, Haula admits the transition to a new club will be difficult.
"(Minnesota) is home," Haula said. "It's hockey, and this will always be like a home to me. I love it here. The fans have been amazing. Definitely the weirdest part is going to be playing against them. It comes pretty quick. I'm sure I'll be super excited and a little nervous to return, but I'll always be back here. It was great to hear all the comments and everything I got from the fans."
Haula will have the opportunity give Wild fans his thanks in person when the Golden Knights make their first visit visit to Saint Paul on Nov. 30.