ERIK HAULA HEADS TO CAROLINA
The Carolina Hurricanes acquired forward Erik Haula from the Vegas Golden Knights for center Nicolas Roy and a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2021.
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
For Carolina, adding Haula is a nice move for the 2019-20 campaign. He is coming off a devastating knee injury that required surgery, so he may be brought along slowly in the early going. The versatile Finn can play all three forward positions but is expected to line up down the middle for the 'Canes (barring the arrival of another center this summer).
What does it give the Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights have salary cap issues, so dumping Haula's $2.75 million contract is a start. In Roy, the Knights add a big, right-handed center who is coming off a tremendous AHL playoff performance (19 GP, 6-9-15, +15) and may challenge for a roster spot in training camp. Vegas was also able to get a conditional future pick in this transaction.
Fantasy impact
Last year's injury makes him a risky addition to some extent but Haula could prove to be a great pickup if he returns to form. The 28-year-old can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, so Carolina will use the upcoming season to evaluate him. Fantasy leaguers should not commit to Haula until he shows he is all the way back to full health. As for Roy, he faces stiff competition for a roster spot in Vegas but might surprise. He may be worth a look in keeper leagues only for the time being.
