Predators Receiving Increased Interest In Erik Haula

The Nashville Predators are sitting within striking distance of a Wild Card spot, but that won't stop the league from circling their roster ahead of the March 6 deadline. 

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, trade discussions involving Nashville are expected to pick up, and veteran forward Erik Haula is emerging as one of the players drawing increasing interest as contenders look for under-the-radar help.

Fourth Period Expects Erik Haula Interest to Rise

Pagnotta reported that the Predators were already working on potential deals prior to the Olympic break, and those conversations are expected to intensify now that the season has resumed. 

Haula is a logical trade candidate. The 34-year-old is in the final season of a three-year contract carrying a $3.15 million cap hit and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He also holds a six-team no-trade list, but his expiring status makes him one of Nashville’s most movable assets if the team decides to sell.

ERIK HAULA OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST 🥉#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/0JKICh8NEB

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) February 21, 2026

Nashville is hovering on the playoff bubble, but the organization is open to reshaping parts of its roster while also preparing for a front-office transition. If the Predators lean toward moving expiring veterans, Haula is near the top of the list of players expected to generate calls.

Olympic Performance Boosts Haula’s Trade Value

Haula’s stock may have gotten a late-season boost thanks to his play at the Milano Cortina Olympics. 

Skating for Finland, he recorded six points in six games and finished among the team’s leading scorers, showing he can still contribute against elite competition.

#Preds Head Coach Andrew Brunette says Juuse Saros and Erik Haula got back to Nashville last night. They’ll be reassessed tomorrow on their status for the game against Chicago tomorrow night.

— Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) February 25, 2026

This season, Haula is pushing toward the 40-point mark (9 goals, 29 points) for the fourth time in his career while continuing to handle penalty-kill duties and multiple lineup roles. 

Over a 13-year NHL career that includes stops with the Vegas Golden Knights, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, and others, he has built a reputation as a reliable playoff performer and adaptable depth piece. He's recorded 162 goals and 366 total points across 816 games played.

Photo Credit: David W Cerny/Reuters via Imagn Images