Confirmed Signing with Link: [NSH] Erik Haula signs with the Predators (1 year, $1.75M)

[Mrfenn92]

I like this signing for the Preds. Definitely a bargain.

Wouldn't they have signed him already if they have the space?

They still do. $7.5 million in cap space with just Luke kunin to resign.

 

[Mrfenn92]

We have the space. I just think Hoffman’s trying to max out this year

Very well could be. Just throwing him out there.

 

[LOUISVILLE ICE CARDS]

There just went the most logical T Johnson landing spot.

That’s what I’m thinking. Hopefully only if there is some retention

 

[Mogo]

Good deal: didn’t work out in Florida but he’s a good player that works hard. Wish he wasn’t in our division

He was a ghost in Florida. Most of the time you didnt even notice him

 

[KingsFan7824]

Living off that one good year in Vegas.

Not sure I've ever seen a more perfect picture if a rise, peak, and fall of a team than Nashville.

13-14, no playoffs
14-15, 1st rd out
15-16, 2nd rd out
16-17, Final
17-18, 2nd rd out
18-19, 1st rd out
19-20, they sort of made the playoffs, but lost to Arizona of all teams, so really, how much can those 4 games count? It's beautifully symmetrical.

This is just the Preds grasping at straws. A lot of big contracts. A lot of guys around, at, or above 30. They're running out of time, if they haven't already. Some cheap depth, and hope you catch a wave of momentum at the right time.

 

[BKarchitect]

Fair "prove it deal" for a guy with injury history and coming off a bad season.

Let's be fair - the Preds needed depth up front...there's a chance Granlund and Haula continue to be not so great but these are one year deals to fill out the lines so it's fine.

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

Haula started out pretty well for the Canes last year. Then he was dealing with an injury, didn't play the same, and seemingly got upset at his usage at that point. Decent move for that contract.

Wasn't just "he was dealing with an injury" though. His knee is screwed and will likely limit him quite a bit for the rest of his career. It's a bummer as I really liked the guy and was hoping he could stick around here long term, but definitely not with the knee still being a problem early last year. This contract reflects that. Still definitely a good move for the Preds, but fans should know what they're getting with him.

 

[McJedi]

Living off that one good year in Vegas.

Not sure I've ever seen a more perfect picture if a rise, peak, and fall of a team than Nashville.

13-14, no playoffs
14-15, 1st rd out
15-16, 2nd rd out
16-17, Final
17-18, 2nd rd out
18-19, 1st rd out
19-20, they sort of made the playoffs, but lost to Arizona of all teams, so really, how much can those 4 games count? It's beautifully symmetrical.

This is just the Preds grasping at straws. A lot of big contracts. A lot of guys around, at, or above 30. They're running out of time, if they haven't already. Some cheap depth, and hope you catch a wave of momentum at the right time.

At one year and 1.7mm, dude didn’t break the bank here did he.

 

[57special]

Seems like some other teams could've been in on him at this price.

 

[BKarchitect]

Wasn't just "he was dealing with an injury" though. His knee is screwed and will likely limit him quite a bit for the rest of his career. It's a bummer as I really liked the guy and was hoping he could stick around here long term, but definitely not with the knee still being a problem early last year. This contract reflects that. Still definitely a good move for the Preds, but fans should know what they're getting with him.

Yup. Will be 30 in a few months and chronic knee issue. Sure, he's not "old" and I think he can be a quite useful checking line player still but his peak offensive days are well in the rearview mirror and his best season in Vegas was always a mirage from an offensive output standpoint.

I don't see Preds fans rushing in here to crow about this or the Granlund signing so fair play to them for being reasonable - I think they generally see these signings for what they are...relatively cheap and low-risk shots at filling out the forward lines with guys who have proven NHL talent. How relevant either guy is moving forward remains to be seen but there are definitely worse players to spend some extra change on.

 

[Flgatorguy87]

I like this deal more than the Granlund deal, but nothing earth shattering for either.

 

[BKarchitect]

Seems like some other teams could've been in on him at this price.

We think that about a lot of guys but IMO the majority of GM's are looking at a fellow like Haula and seeing...knee issues...inconsistent offensive impact...not getting younger...financial worries = replacement level checking line player who I possibly can get the same play out of from a younger, rookie deal type guy.

The exceptions are guys like Rutta who was brought back because of a very specific fit that has already been on display for that team even though he's again probably a very replacement level player otherwise.

 

[Soundgarden]

Bonino replacement. Still haven’t filled the goals left on the table from Smith. 7.5 mil roughly in cap left. I feel we still need 1 more move

Kunin replaces Smith. They put up near identical totals last year.

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

I doubt it will work out, but at least - unlike the Granlund resigning - it's something new. Worth a try.

But yeah, there are now just Taxi Squad assignments for any of our youngsters. Having depth isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, in what is likely to be a compressed schedule and war of attrition.

 

[Soundgarden]

He was a ghost in Florida. Most of the time you didnt even notice him

Then he'll be a perfect match with Granlund.

Maybe we're gunning for a high pick? Anybody good at no.1 this year ?

 

[Gospel of Prospal]

Helsinki South?

 

[Aurinko]

Yup. Will be 30 in a few months and chronic knee issue. Sure, he's not "old" and I think he can be a quite useful checking line player still but his peak offensive days are well in the rearview mirror and his best season in Vegas was always a mirage from an offensive output standpoint.

I don't see Preds fans rushing in here to crow about this or the Granlund signing so fair play to them for being reasonable - I think they generally see these signings for what they are...relatively cheap and low-risk shots at filling out the forward lines with guys who have proven NHL talent. How relevant either guy is moving forward remains to be seen but there are definitely worse players to spend some extra change on.

Haula might not have speed anymore, but his wrister is deadly. If he gets any decent TOI, he will get the scoring done.

I would be more concerned about Granlund, since if he doesn't have the speed, there isn't much left in his game. Last season he had more TOI and still scored less than Haula.

 

[57special]

Hey, they can have a Minnesota Wild line. Granlund- Haula- Kunin. Pretty good 3rd line.

 

[Aurinko]

Hey, they can have a Minnesota Wild line. Granlund- Haula- Kunin. Pretty good 3rd line.

Full season in a line with Granlund and I can bump this thread.

 

[BKarchitect]

Haula might not have speed anymore, but his wrister is deadly. If he gets any decent TOI, he will get the scoring done.

I would be more concerned about Granlund, since if he doesn't have the speed, there isn't much left in his game. Last season he had more TOI and still scored less than Haula.

He's always flashed his obvious skill but IMO if you are counting on him at this stage in his career to be more than a depth offensive provider who can pop up with a beautiful goal now and again, you're asking for too much. I mean sure, he's not so old and broken down that you don't hope for some upside if he finds himself in a favorable position but there's a reason he got the contract he did.

 

[GuerinUp]

He's always flashed his obvious skill but IMO if you are counting on him at this stage in his career to be more than a depth offensive provider who can pop up with a beautiful goal now and again, you're asking for too much. I mean sure, he's not so old and broken down that you don't hope for some upside if he finds himself in a favorable position but there's a reason he got the contract he did.

Covid.

 

[hotcabbagesoup]

Helsinki South?

Helsinki Honky Tonk.

 

[Pens x]

Very nice signing by Nashville.

 

[LOUISVILLE ICE CARDS]

Kunin replaces Smith. They put up near identical totals last year.

My thing is will he be a consistent 20 goal score for the next 2-4 years.

 

[Soundgarden]

My thing is will he be a consistent 20 goal score for the next 2-4 years.

I think it's a good gamble, last year was a breakout year for him and he would have hit 20 had the season not ended.