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Carolina Hurricanes: Time to Holla for an Erik Haula Extension?

By Alex Ohari

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Erik Haula #56 of the Carolina Hurricanes turns toward the play during a 2-0 Hurricanes win over the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on October 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Erik Haula #56 of the Carolina Hurricanes turns toward the play during a 2-0 Hurricanes win over the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on October 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 3: Erik Haula #56 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a game tying goal and celebrates during an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens on October 3, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – OCTOBER 3: Erik Haula #56 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a game tying goal and celebrates during an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens on October 3, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Offseason Trade

Coming off that devastating injury and heading into a contract year, Haula had a bleak outlook in Vegas. The Golden Knights were already a cap-strapped team, and the addition of Pacioretty and long-term extensions to William Karlsson and Alex Tuch phased Haula out of the equation. Which led to his arrival in Raleigh.

The impact he’s had on the Canes’ young season, though, not even Haula could’ve expected. Through 9 games, the Canes’ forward group has scored 18 goals – and only 15 if you don’t include empty netters. Haula has 7 of those goals, and has been a bright spot in every game of the season for this team.

He’s impossible to miss out there. Whether it’s his unmistakably massive rear-end, his great flow haircut or his blazing speed, #56 is an eye-turner every time he steps on the ice. The fans have noticed. The coaching staff has noticed. Now, it’s management’s turn to take notice.

Haula, an impending UFA at the conclusion of this season, is unquestionably due for a massive raise on the 2.75 AAV contract he signed back in 2017. When he signed that deal, his career highs were 15 goals and 34 points. He since had a 29-goal, 55-point explosion in Vegas, and is off to a torrid start with the Hurricanes.

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