Nashville Predators Reacquire Erik Haula from New Jersey Devils for Jeremy Hanzel and 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

The Nashville Predators reacquired forward Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils in a trade, giving up defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick. Haula has 337 points in 759 career NHL games and has played for the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Devils. The 34-year-old winger is entering the final year of a three-year contract.

The Nashville Predators have reacquired veteran forward Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils in a trade, sending defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick to New Jersey. The deal was announced on June 18, 2025 [4].

Haula, a 34-year-old winger, returns to Nashville after a brief stint with the Devils. He played 69 games for New Jersey during the 2024-25 season, recording 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) and 39 penalty minutes while averaging 14:42 of ice time. The 5-foot-11, 191-pound forward is entering the final year of a three-year contract with an annual value of $3.15 million [1].

Haula has a robust NHL career, spanning 10 seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Devils. He has accumulated 337 points (153 goals, 184 assists) in 759 career games and has 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) in 78 playoff appearances [2]. Notably, Haula helped the Golden Knights advance to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season, a five-game loss to the Washington Capitals [1].

The Predators are looking to add flexibility to their lineup with Haula's ability to play in various roles. His experience and production can help accelerate the development of younger players on the team [4]. Haula's previous stint with Nashville in the 2020-21 season saw him record 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 51 games [1].

The Predators' acquisition of Haula comes as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. The team now holds nine selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, including three in the first round, two in the second and sixth rounds, one in the third and fifth rounds [4].

Jeremy Hanzel, a 22-year-old defenseman, was acquired by the Predators from the Colorado Avalanche in March 2024. He played this season for Nashville's minor league affiliates, the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) and Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL), where he registered three goals and 19 assists in 61 games [3].

The trade underscores the Predators' strategic approach to roster management, focusing on acquiring players who can contribute both in the short and long term. The team's draft picks and existing players will be key in determining their success in the upcoming season.

References:

[1] https://www.nhl.com/news/erik-haula-traded-to-predators-by-devils
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sports/predators-reacquire-erik-haula-devils-2025-06-19/
[3] https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/devils-acquire-hanzel-pick-from-nashville-for-haula-release-6-18-25
[4] https://www.nhl.com/predators/news/predators-acquire-erik-haula-from-new-jersey-2025-06-18