The Nashville Predators have acquired forward Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The trade, announced on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, sees Haula return to Nashville, where he previously played during the 2020-21 season.
Haula, 34, is entering the final year of a three-year, $9.45 million contract. In the 2024-25 season with the Devils, Haula recorded 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 69 games. Predators General Manager Barry Trotz expressed excitement about Haula joining the team, highlighting his versatility and ability to contribute in various roles. Trotz believes Haula can positively influence the development of the team's younger players.
During his previous stint with the Predators in the 2020-21 season, Haula tallied 9 goals and 12 assists, accumulating 21 points in 51 games. Throughout his NHL career, Haula has played for several teams, including the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Devils. In 759 career NHL games, he has recorded 153 goals and 184 assists for a total of 337 points. He also played in 78 playoff games, amassing 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points and helped the Vegas Golden Knights reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2018.
Hanzel, 22, was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round (No. 187) of the 2023 NHL Draft and then was traded to Nashville in March of 2024. During the 2024-25 season, Hanzel split his time between the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Atlanta Gladiators in the ECHL. In four games with the Admirals, he recorded two penalty minutes. With the Gladiators, he had 3 goals and 19 assists for 22 points in 28 games.
The Devils, in acquiring Hanzel and a draft pick, create $3.15 million in cap space. The Devils now possess seven picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, including two in the second round, one in the third, two in the fourth, and two in the sixth round. The Devils originally acquired Haula from the Boston Bruins in 2022. In three seasons with New Jersey, he scored 41 goals and 56 assists for 97 points in 227 games.
