Career Timeline of Erik Haula: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Erik Haula built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Erik Haula is a Finnish professional ice hockey player currently a forward for the Nashville Predators in the NHL. Drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2009, Haula has played for several NHL teams including the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. He was drafted in the seventh round.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Started playing for HC Ässät Pori

In 2006, Erik Haula began his ice hockey career at his local club, HC Ässät Pori.

2008: Played for Shattuck-Saint Mary's

During the 2008–09 hockey season, Erik Haula played for Shattuck-Saint Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota, where he scored 79 points in 49 games.

March 2009: Committed to the University of Minnesota

In March 2009, Erik Haula committed to play hockey at the University of Minnesota, becoming only the second player born outside of North America to join the team.

June 2009: Drafted by the Minnesota Wild

On 27 June 2009, Erik Haula was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round, 182nd overall, at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

2009: Drafted by the Minnesota Wild

In 2009, Erik Haula was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round, 182nd overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

2009: Played for the Omaha Lancers

In 2009, before attending the University of Minnesota, Erik Haula played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Omaha Lancers.

April 2013: Signed with the Minnesota Wild

On 7 April 2013, Erik Haula signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild.

November 2013: NHL debut

On 29 November 2013, Erik Haula made his NHL debut after being recalled by the Minnesota Wild. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, and was named the game's third star.

January 2014: First NHL goal

On 18 January 2014, Erik Haula scored his first career NHL goal against the Dallas Stars.

2014: Became a restricted free agent

Following the 2014–15 NHL season, Erik Haula became a restricted free agent under the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement.

July 2015: Filed for Salary Arbitration

On 27 July 2015, after the 2014-15 NHL season, Erik Haula, as a restricted free agent, filed for Salary Arbitration with the Minnesota Wild.

2015: Breakout season

In the 2015–16 season, Erik Haula had a breakout year, setting NHL personal bests in goals, assists, and points. He centered Minnesota's third line.

2016: Played fourth season with the Wild

In the 2016-17 season, Erik Haula completed his fourth season with the Wild as a restricted free agent.

June 2017: Drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights

On 21 June 2017, Erik Haula was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft after agreeing to a three-year, $8.25 million deal with the team.

2017: Best totals since 2017-18

In 2021-22 season, Erik Haula finished the season with his best totals since 2017-18.

2018: Scored series-winning goal in Game 1

During Game 1 of the first round of the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings, Erik Haula scored the overtime game-winning goal, the longest game in the franchise's history, giving the Golden Knights a 2–1 win.

2018: Recorded seven goals in December

During the month of December 2018, Erik Haula and teammate William Karlsson each recorded seven goals, which tied for the eighth-most in the league.

June 2019: Traded to the Carolina Hurricanes

On 26 June 2019, Erik Haula was traded by the Golden Knights to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Nicolas Roy and a conditional fifth-round draft pick.

February 2020: Traded to the Florida Panthers

On 24 February 2020, Erik Haula was traded by the Carolina Hurricanes, along with other players, to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Vincent Trocheck.