Player Discussion Erik Haula II

[Nsjohnson]

Haula looked great in game 1 (exhibition) against the Swedes.

 

[57special]

Do you mean today's game? Because they had one earlier in the week.

 

[57special]

Just wanted to say how glad I am that this guy is back in the line up. I think that he is quietly become one of the more important forwards on this team. A " glue" guy. To think that Yeo was stil benching this guy last year at this time.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

I can't wait until we get to the point where we aren't constantly reminded of what Yeo did and didn't do.

 

[BagHead]

Just wanted to say how glad I am that this guy is back in the line up. I think that he is quietly become one of the more important forwards on this team. A " glue" guy. To think that Yeo was stil benching this guy last year at this time.

I agree, he is becoming a quite important forward for us. Just as an aside, last year at this time he was playing horribly and deserved the scratching. Remember, he didn't start taking off under Torch, he started under Yeo, and continued under Torch.

 

[DANOZ28]

he really is developing into the "wes walz" 3rd line center i thought he could become. i will cry in my whiskey if we lose him to vegas.

 

[57special]

I agree, he is becoming a quite important forward for us. Just as an aside, last year at this time he was playing horribly and deserved the scratching. Remember, he didn't start taking off under Torch, he started under Yeo, and continued under Torch.

I disagree. Yeo was just quick to bench him, or Zucker. Pomminville was godawful, yet he didn't bench Pominville. He did the same with Heatley. Yeo was bad with young players, or, more possibly, felt beholden to older established players.

I don't get that feeling at all with BB. It seems to be a meritocracy.

 

[Minnewildsota]

Wasn't last year the year he came to camp/into the season overweight or out of shape?

 

[BagHead]

I disagree. Yeo was just quick to bench him, or Zucker. Pomminville was godawful, yet he didn't bench Pominville. He did the same with Heatley. Yeo was bad with young players, or, more possibly, felt beholden to older established players.

I don't get that feeling at all with BB. It seems to be a meritocracy.

I agree that Yeo was a lot quicker to bench young guys than vets. A lot quicker. Still, Haula was not playing well, and IMO, of all our "young" guys, he looked the worst. This time last season, our entire 4th line looked like they needed benching, along with some of our top 6.

 

[Al Lagoon]

he really is developing into the "wes walz" 3rd line center i thought he could become. i will cry in my whiskey if we lose him to vegas.

Precisely Danoz28! People forget Walz was an offensive stud in junior much as Haula was at the U: the sublime speed and 2 way game with skills, definitely comparable.

 

[57special]

Wasn't last year the year he came to camp/into the season overweight or out of shape?

No, it was the year before, and even then, it was never explicitly said he was out of shape. Malkin rearranged his face in the spring, and I suspect he had a concussion that took him a long time to recover from.

No hard info either way.

 

[Wild11MN]

No, it was the year before, and even then, it was never explicitly said he was out of shape. Malkin rearranged his face in the spring, and I suspect he had a concussion that took him a long time to recover from.

No hard info either way.

Yeo mentioned Haula needed to "stay on top of his conditioning" once in the middle of the year, after saying several players were out of shape at camp. So I guess he never explicitly said it, but it was implied.

http://www.startribune.com/pregame-yeo-says-haula-must-stay-on-top-of-his-conditioning/287351181/

 

[Aurinko]

Maybe in even strength ice time, but almost certainly not in linemates or PP time. Which are obviously the two biggest factors to increased production.

Unless someone's hurt, I can't see Staal or Koivu being bumped down lines in favor of Haula, even if it appears that he deserves it. Then again, we have a smart coach, now... Anything's possible, I suppose.

That was a spot on prediction.

edit: I don't mean Haula has been a complete player in any way, but he has excellent shot and nose for a goal. That is something the rest of the players are currently lacking.

 

[57special]

AS much as I like Haula, he in no way deserves to bump Koivu or Staal. He is a good complimentary player who i hope won't cost us too much to re-sign.

 

[57special]

Disappointed in Haula's play so far. At least he is winning FO's, but I don't see him making a difference out there. Having see him turn on the jets for weeks. If you were watching him you wouldn't know that he was fast.

 

[Bruce Granville]

Yeah, sure, jinxes don't exist...

 

[Minnesota]

Boudreau voiced his disappointment with Haula's play recently, too. I'm sure they've had several closed-door conversations about getting his game back on-track.

 

[Wabit]

Boudreau voiced his disappointment with Haula's play recently, too. I'm sure they've had several closed-door conversations about getting his game back on-track.

Having Parise pick his game up helps.

 

[Loopy0ne]

the wild are not allowed to trade my fave player on the team

 

[57special]

That deflection goal he had tonight was sweet. Reminded me of Heatley or Vanek.

 

[TaLoN]

the wild are not allowed to trade my fave player on the team

The players ahead of him will likely force him out...might have to start getting yourself used to the idea sooner rather than later.

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Man, seeing Haula put on any other jersey would feel really weird.

 

[Minnesota]

Man, seeing Haula put on any other jersey would feel really weird.

I could see him in a Florida jersey. They recruit all the ex-Gophers.

 

[57special]

Haula now up to 54% in FO %. Well done, Erik!

 

[SomethingGeneric]

He's having another very solid season.