Erik Haula, C
The first big signing the Kings and Holland made on Day 1 of the unrestricted free agent window this past week was former Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils veteran center Erik Haula. Holland and the Kings signed Haula to a very realistic two-year contract deal worth around $3.6 million in average annual value through the end of the 2027-28 season.
The 35-year-old Haula has been a reliable double-digit goal scorer and a consistent presence on special teams on the penalty kill in his career in the past decade. Haula will give the Kings another versatile center who can give a depth option for Laviolette and staff to plug and play when needed on special teams on the power play, and someone who will consistently contribute on the penalty kill unit.
Knowing how valuable proven two-way veteran centers have become in the modern-day NHL, the Kings getting someone who can instantly upgrade the depth and experience at the position in the middle of the lineup for a manageable contract price is a great find in free agency this offseason.
At the very least, Haula provides the Kings with a proven two-way center who can play middle or bottom-six minutes while contributing on both sides of the ice and on special teams. A realistic expectation for Haula this upcoming season at the center position, assuming he stays healthy for the full regular season, is at least a dozen goals and over 30 total points.
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