A Milestone Contract
The Los Angeles Kings announced this week that they have inked veteran forward Erik Haula to a two‑year agreement that will pay $3.6 million per season through the 2027‑28 campaign. The deal locks the 35‑year‑old into the Pacific Division through the next three seasons, providing the club with a proven scorer and a steady presence on the ice.
Haula’s journey to the Kings has been marked by durability and clutch performances. He recently celebrated his 800th NHL appearance, a milestone that saw him net two goals in a single game, positioning him among just 21 players in league history to reach that mark. Internationally, he contributed six points in six games as Finland secured a bronze medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, underscoring his ability to shine on the world stage.
The forward’s most productive season came with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017‑18, when he posted a career‑high 29 goals and 55 points. Prior to that, he logged a career‑high 81 games with the Nashville Predators, contributing 14 goals and 28 points while ranking third among Nashville forwards in blocked shots and fourth in hits. His extensive playoff pedigree includes 78 career appearances, highlighted by a nine‑point run in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.
Before making his NHL debut, Haula honed his skills at the University of Minnesota, earning Second‑All‑Star and All‑Academic honors. He now returns to the organization’s alumni network, bringing a blend of collegiate experience, international exposure, and a relentless work ethic that the Kings hope will translate into additional offensive firepower.