Why Moving Erik Haula Made Sense for the Bruins

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Let's recap the trade first. The Bruins and New Jersey Devils agreed to a one-for-one swap. The Bruins would send Finland native Erik Haula to the Devils in exchange for the RFA rights of Pavel Zacha. Haula was formerly signed to a two-year, $4,750,000 contract with the Bruins on July 28, 2021.

Erik Haula was an essential figure, playing the highly touted role of second-line center for the Bruins. Even after coming off a fairly strong season offensively, what led to the Bruins moving Haula?

Roles on the team factored into the decision to move Haula. With the news and acquisition of former Bruins center David Krejci, it seemed like Haula's services were no longer needed. When fully-healthy, the Bruins are stacked up the middle (Bergeron, Krejci, Coyle). If Haula wasn't moved, it would be likely he would be playing a fourth-line role, something his playing style isn't fit to play.

Another reason that convinced the Bruins to move on from Haula would have been his age and cap configuration. Haula is currently 31 years old and set to turn 32 next season. In addition to Zacha, the Bruins bring in a 25-year-old who can help them in the future. Haula was also set to become a UFA at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, while Boston would be able to retain Zacha's RFA rights.

It is also worth noting that the Bruins receive greater potential with Zacha than with Haula. Like mentioned before, Zacha is currently 25 years old and could be in for a breakout season. Haula is an aging forward, and that could see a discretion in play next season. The Devils were looking to move Zacha to give him a change of scenery and open the doors to up-and-coming prospects.

Both Haula and Zacha put up similar statistics, playing almost identical roles. With the Bruins, Haula put up a solid 44 points in 78 games. Zacha scored 36 points in 70 games with the Devils.

Zacha is a former sixth overall selection by the Devils during the Connor McDavid draft. The Bruins will likely utilize Zacha in many different roles to start the season due to an injury to Brad Marchand. But it is likely he will play a third-line offensive role once the Bruins are fully healthy.