"When I traded for Erik, we talked about how he was the type of player that we needed to help us continue to move the group forward," said Fitzgerald. "He played key minutes in all situations throughout the season- power play, penalty kill, taking faceoffs- and provided leadership for our team. At the end of the season, he told me how much he wanted to be a part of what we are building here in New Jersey, and I'm glad we could quickly get a deal done that gives him a place to lay down roots with his family."

Haula, 32, completed his first season with New Jersey, after the veteran was acquired via trade from Boston in exchange for Pavel Zacha on July 13, 2022. Haula tallied 41 points (14g-27a) in 80 games with New Jersey last season, while his 27 assists marked a career-high.

The 5-foot-11, 190lbs. forward's two shorthanded goals ranked second (tied, D. Mercer) on the Devils behind Nico Hischier's three shorthanded tallies in 2022-23. Additionally, Haula's 54.2% face-off percentage ranked second on New Jersey behind Michael McLeod (60.6%), while his 573 total face-off wins marked a career-high for a single season.

Haula played in his ninth NHL postseason in 2022-23, and his four goals ranked second on New Jersey for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Haula has appeared in Stanley Cup nine of his 10 NHL seasons, missing only 2018-19 with Vegas due to a knee injury. He has earned 36 points (16g-20a) in 73 career playoff contests. Haula was also a member of the Golden Knights 2018 Western Conference Championship team.

Haula totaled 281 points (126g-155a) in 614 career regular-season games with seven different NHL clubs including Minnesota (2013-14 to 2016-17), Vegas (2017-18 to 2018-19), Carolina & Florida (2019-20), Nashville (2020-21), Boston (2021-22) and New Jersey.

Born on March 23, 1991, the native of Pori, Finland, was Minnesota's seventh-round draft pick, 182^nd overall, in the 2009 NHL Draft. Before his professional experience, Haula played at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level for the University of Minnesota from 2011-12 to 2012-13. He also played for Omaha (USHL) and Shattuck St. Mary's High School (MN). Before arriving in North America, Haula played for the Assat program in Finland. He has represented his home country in international play, participating in the 2008 and 2009 (Bronze Medal) Under-18 World Junior Championships, 2011 World Junior Championship, 2014 World Championship (Silver Medal), and 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

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