Erik Haula has finally rejoined the team jumping into the fray in Canada as the Carolina Hurricanes push on in the road trip. When can we see him hit the ice again?
Who misses Erik Haula? I know I do. The chaos he manages to generate in the front of the net has continuously led to goals. The kind of goals the Carolina Hurricanes are sorely missing having been shutout in three of their last eight games. But have no fear folks, the Finnish center who’s backside has its own twitter account is back with the team!
He was seen practicing with the team today so that answers the question of if he will get back in skating shape soon. The only remaining question is when he can be healthy enough to return back to game speed. Rod Brind’amour had this to say on his health:
"“It’s a positive that we’re headed in the right direction.”"
When asked when we can see him back on NHL ice with the rest of his teammates ready to take on the rest of the road trip Rod replied with:
"“It might be soon. It might not be. We’re day-to-day on that. Hopefully just keep improving his health and conditioning.”"
Back to work for the #Canes in Banff. Everyone on the ice today, including forward Erik Haula, who joined the road trip in Calgary. pic.twitter.com/mvMews3YVq
— Michael Smith (@MichaelSmithNC) December 16, 2019
It’s only a matter of time before we see him back on the ice, but do not be surprised if that becomes tomorrow night against the Winnipeg Jets. With Julien Gauthier already sent back down to the Checkers and no call ups made (yet) there is a chance that Haula plays tomorrow night. The other alternative would be to ice 11 forwards and 7 defender which would be less than ideal.
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These next opponents are no joke. Winnipeg just dismantled a Flyers defense to the tune of 7-3 just last night, scoring six goals on 16 shots. That was not a typo. They are absolutely destroying their competition as of late. Having a guy like Haula that can go to the dirty spots on the ice and score greasy goals would be more than useful.
Even if he doesn’t come back for the game tomorrow night, he will be absolutely needed to faceup against the Colorado Avalanche. These guys are playing their best hockey of their franchise history and it will take a 100% team effort to skate out of there with any points at all. That means guys like Haula are going to be needed to help motivate the team towards playing perfect on all parts of the game. No gimmies that night.
Question for CC Readers: When do you think Erik Haula can get back on the ice?