The New Jersey Devils traded forward Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators for a 2025 fourth-round pick and defense prospect Jeremy Hanzel, the teams announced Wednesday.
Haula is entering the final year of his contract with a $3.15-million cap hit. There's no salary retention in the deal.
The 34-year-old recorded 21 points in 68 appearances with the Devils last season. He's averaged 17 goals and 20 assists per 82 games across his 12-year NHL career between the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Devils.
Haula also had a brief stint with the Predators during the 2020-21 campaign.
He'll provide an additional option down the middle for a center-needy Predators club. Haula has played both wing and center throughout his career.
Nashville's other center options include Ryan O'Reilly, Colton Sissons, and Fedor Svechkov. Steven Stamkos spent time at center last season, though he's arguably best suited at this point in his career as a winger, where he played toward the end of his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Devils gain valuable salary flexibility with this trade. New Jersey is now up to $14.3 million in cap space but will likely dedicate a decent portion to pending restricted free agent Luke Hughes. Haula's departure also creates a need for a third-line center.
Hanzel was a sixth-round pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2023. The 22-year-old spent most of last season in the ECHL.
