Erik Haula chooses new team on Day One of Free Agency

The opening hours of NHL free agency are always a whirlwind on Wednesday, with teams scrambling to fill gaps and players looking for the right fit. On July 1, the Los Angeles Kings wasted no time making a move, but the name attached to the deal carried more intrigue than flash.

According to Frank Seravalli, the Kings are adding veteran center Erik Haula as a free agent signing. The veteran gets a two-year deal at a $3.6 M AAV, per Pierre LeBrun.

The 35-year old veteran arrives in Los Angeles after spending last season with the Nashville Predators, where he posted 14 goals and 38 points across 81 games. He is one of the most well-traveled players in the league, having suited up for seven different organizations over the course of a 14-year NHL career that spans 840 games, 147 goals, and 375 points.

The signing aligns with what the Kings have been looking for under new head coach Peter Laviolette. Los Angeles reportedly wanted to bolster its depth scoring without overspending, and Haula fits that profile as a reliable, experienced forward who can contribute without commanding a premium price tag.

Haula just wrapped up a three-year deal worth $9.45 million. The Kings entered the offseason with roughly $11 million in cap space, giving GM Ken Holland flexibility to structure a deal creatively.

Because Haula is 35, he also qualifies for a performance-based contract loaded with incentives. That opens the door for a structure featuring a lower base salary paired with easy-to-reach bonuses, which could help the Kings manage their cap situation heading into next season.