Minnesota Wild Re-Sign Erik Haula: Will He Make a Difference?

After long talks, the Minnesota Wild have re-signed Erik Haula, avoiding arbitration.  The Finland native inked a two-year contract, which starts during the 2015-16 season.

Haula was taken in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL ENtry Draft by the Minnesota Wild.  Before he made his NHL debut, he skated with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he recorded 124 points during 114 games.  In his time with the Wild, he has played a total of 118 games, racking up 29 points.

The quick centerman could be an impact player for the Wild in the near future.  Although his point totals may seem low, he is still only 24 years old, and is developing as a player.  He showed his value in the 2014 playoffs, when he tallied seven points during the 13 games in which he played with the Wild.  During that time, he was notable for scoring goals when the Wild needed them, and was someone they could completely trust with the puck.  If he can make his performance in the 2014 playoffs a regular occurrence, he will be a player that his teammates and coaches look to in order to get things done on the ice.  He has spent a lot of time on the Wild’s fourth line, but it would not be surprising to see him move up as he grows older, since he has proved that he has the ability to play, not only with his performance in the 2014 playoffs, but also when he played a star role with the Minnesota Gophers.

Fans should keep their eyes out for Haula on the ice, as the “Finnesotan” will most likely be making a difference on the Wild’s roster within the next couple of years.