Devils Erik Haula ‘Excited to Play’, Reveals What Sidelined Him

For the second time in as many days, Erik Haula took to the ice for morning skate with the New Jersey Devils. He wasn’t the only somewhat new face at the rink, as injured defenseman Brett Pesce joined the group Friday morning as well.

Haula missed the first week and a day of training camp, and a handful of preseason games. We knew he was dealing with an illness, however, we didn’t know the severity. One could deduce if he couldn’t skate, then it must have been severe. The 33-year-old forward clarified what he came down with.

“I had a fever for six days, so it took a toll on me,” Haula explained. “It was worse than that even sounds. It’s frustrating when the timing of it. But luckily, I’m getting better now, getting back in the action and I get to play today to get ready to go to Prague. So, that’s good.”

Being sick for that long would have a lasting effect on anyone, even after they’ve gotten over the illness. For Haula, he explained he felt he was able to bounce back quickly, although he did lose some weight as a result.

“Probably just the first and second day that I didn’t have a fever, I was like, ‘Okay, I might be normal again here.’ So that was, that was nice,” Haula explained. “The support and the understanding of it all has been great. The communication with [Sheldon Keefe] has been awesome. He allowed me some time to get my legs under me.”

Head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that Haula was adamant that he wanted to get at least one preseason game under his belt before the team left for Prague. Haula is going to get his chance on Friday night.

“I wanted to play three games to start camp. It wasn’t really an option,” said Haula. “So, I definitely wanted one game. I think everyone needs that. And I wouldn’t have felt comfortable going to Prague if I didn’t get back in the action. So, I’m fortunate and really excited to play tonight.”

Haula slotted in right away with his projected line for the 2024-25 season. The Finnish forward will center Ondrej Palat and Stefan Noesen.

Palat is no stranger to Haula. Neither is Noesen, those two have a history. However, Haula explained he’s looking forward to what the former Carolina Hurricanes forward can bring to the Devils, specifically on his line.

“[Noesen brings] a lot of work and that net-front presence,” Haula said. “I feel like he plays up chemistry, and I think he’ll fit great with been with me and [Palat]. Obviously, they’ve been able to build some chemistry already.”

Palat and Noesen have looked quite good together through training camp and the preseason thus far. Before, they were skating with Shane Bowers, but now they will get their running mate for the season with Haula.

The Devils’ third line brings a heavy veteran presence that can seemingly work in all situations. In fact, there’s a chance it could be one of the better third lines in the league.

Let’s see what they bring on Friday against the Islanders.

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