Twenty six year old forward looking to hit the jackpot in Vegas

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HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Twenty six year old forward looking to hit the jackpot in Vegas
KEYSTONE PRESS

Erik Haula may have spent almost a decade playing hockey in Minnesota, but getting the chance to hit it big in the desert is an opportunity the Finnish forward can't deny.

The 26-year-old left-handed shot was taken by Vegas in the expansion draft as a restricted free agent, he signed a three-year contract worth a reported $8.25 million (average annual value $2.75 million) later that day.

Haula spoke to the amazing change of scenery and his eagerness to start an amazing new chapter of his career with the Golden Knights, even though he loved his time in Minnesota:

"It's exciting! I'll always love Minnesota but I'm looking forward to starting something new. It's great. [It's a] new team - everything is going to be new.

"You're starting to build your own legacy. Nothing has happened [in Vegas] before. Everything is new. It's a great opportunity for everybody, so you just start building from there. Everyone is new, so we've just got to kick it into gear as fast as possible and spend a lot of time with the guys on the team and get to know each other. I'm really excited for this opportunity in my career.

"Definitely the weirdest part is going to be playing against them [the Wild, who the Golden Knights will play in Minnesota on Nov. 30]. It comes pretty quick. I'm sure I'll be super excited and a little nervous to return, but I'll always be back here. It was great to hear all the comments and everything I got from the fans.

"Speed is my greatest asset. I'm just going to give it all I got at training camp and see where I'm going to start. I know there's great opportunity for older guys going in, so that's what I'm looking forward to, is battling for one of those spots. Like I said, I feel like I'm getting ready.

"I'm excited to be a part of things in Vegas and can't wait to get there and get the season going." 

Haula has primarily been a defense first player with a knack for lighting the lamp. He did well last year with the Wild, scoring a career high 15 goals. He's reliable in the circle, winning 54.9% of his faceoffs last season, and will likely be a penalty killing asset that could bounce between the second and third lines for the Golden Knights.

He's an affordable and versatile roleplayer who could really shine given new opportunities in Vegas. Here are some highlights from his time in Minnesota: