Erik Haula
- Status: 3 Year Standard Contract, UFA 1 July
- Current Cap Hit: $2,750,000
- Age: 28
Happy Haula-days! You knew this one was coming. Erik Haula has only played 18 games due to tendonitis in his previously injured knee, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting up ten goals, including two in his last outing against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Originally signing a contract with the Vegas Golden Knights for their inaugural season, Haula’s contract comes to an end 1 July. That said, there is more than enough motivation for him to sign a contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes before the season ends.
The first reason is simple. He has found a home here with the Carolina Hurricanes. His ability to crash the net has helped create a serious chemistry between himself and linemates Ryan Dzingel and Martin Necas. The second reason is precious. That’s right, Erik Haula is about to be a dad by this upcoming may, so why not have some stability for the family?
Who wants to move teams with a newborn child? Probably not Erik Haula. Much like new dad Jordan Martinook did last season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Haula re-signed with the Hurricanes in the next few months. The only question is; is Don Waddell and the Carolina Hurricanes also thinking of an extension for Erik Haula?
Haula is a risk, the tendonitis in his knee can keep him out of games at any time. That said, he is absolutely worth the value of a team friendly contract when he is playing. Even after missing about half the season so far he is still FOURTH on the team in scoring. There is no excuse not, at the very least, consider a new contract for Haula in the next few months.
So what would a new contract for the upcoming new father look like? It can be anywhere from two to four years depending on how well he manages to stay healthy. At 28 years of age, It will be difficult to see him going for the higher end of that range unless he can prove that his health will last him that long.
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If he does sign for 4 years, I can see the AAV being as high as $4,000,000, which would be a bargain price for a good center if he manages to remain health. Otherwise, I do not expect the Hurricanes to offer any more than $3,500,000 if he only signs for two or three years. Giving him an NMC or NTC is not out of the question either. As long as he remains healthy, Haula is an asset to the future.
The Carolina Hurricanes are building something special here for the first time in a long time. So this holiday season make sure to be on the lookout for a few new contracts in the next few months. This team is the real deal. That means ensuring the best players on this roster stay here for as long as they remain positive members of this team.
Question For CC Readers: Which players are the most deserving of a new contract now?