The Nashville Predators have re-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, marks Haula's 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, carrying an annual cap hit of $3.15 million. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Last season with the Devils, Haula recorded 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 69 games, while also contributing one assist in five playoff games.
"We are excited to have Erik join our team today," said Predators General Manager Barry Trotz. "He brings great flexibility to our roster with the ability to play up and down the lineup in a variety of different roles. We are confident that he'll be able to play alongside our young players, helping to accelerate their development."
During his previous stint with the Predators in the 2020-21 season, the Finnish forward posted nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in 51 games. Throughout his NHL career, Haula has amassed 153 goals and 184 assists for 337 points in 759 regular-season games split between the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils. He has also tallied 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 78 playoff games, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final with the Golden Knights in 2018.
Hanzel, 22, was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round (No. 187) of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Predators acquired him from Colorado on March 7, 2024. He spent the 2024-25 season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL.
The trade also provides the New Jersey Devils with some much-needed cap space, freeing up $3.15 million. This gives them greater flexibility as they approach the NHL Draft and free agency, with restricted free agents Luke Hughes and Cody Glass needing new contracts. The Devils now possess seven picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, including two in the second round and two in the fourth round.
