The Nashville Predators signed forwards Mikael Granlund and Erik Haula to one-year contracts worth $3.75 million and $1.75 million.
Granlund scored 17 goals (13 assists) in his first full season with Nashville last season.
Haula comes to Nashville after playing 48 games in Carolina and Florida. He tallied 22 points with the Hurricanes before being traded to the Panthers at the deadline.
The two are reunited in Nashville after growing up together in the Finnish national program and with the Minnesota Wild from 2012-14.
Another fun fact, Granlund was a groomsman in Haula’s 2013 wedding.
What does Haula bring to Nashville?
Haula was considered a crowned jewel of the remaining unrestricted free agents, the top forward remaining.
He proved how dynamic he can be in the 2017-18 season with the Vegas Golden Knights. There, he has a career season with 29 goals and 26 assists.
What has happened since then? He suffered a knee injury during the 2018-19 season and only played 15 games. Last season, he was injured again and missed some time with Hurricanes before being dealt to the Panthers.
Over the past two seasons, the former University of Minnesota standout has only scored 14 goals and tallied 17 assists in 63 games.
Reaction
He has proven himself to be valuable asset in the NHL as he can center a line or play left wing. Personally, I love this signing. He has potential to be on the second line but will most likely find himself on the third.
Haula was a highly sought after free agent. Several teams expressed interest in him including Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Vegas and Columbus. If he can find his groove in Nashville like he did in Vegas then he could turn out to be a steal of a signing.
Twitter