On Erik Haula's three-year extension with the New Jersey Devils

The versatile, veteran forward had a very strong debut season with the team – and was rewarded accordingly.

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The New Jersey Devils took care of some housekeeping on Friday, signing Erik Haula to a three-year extension worth $3.15 million per season.

Haula was very good in his debut season with the Devils, producing 40+ points while logging plenty of difficult minutes.

More than 30% of his time on the ice was spent against elite comp, per PuckIQ. The Devils won those minutes 13-6, posting a goal share upwards of 70%.

Although Haula’s finishing was painfully inconsistent at times, he still managed to post solid offensive numbers.

He averaged as many or more 5v5 points per minute than the likes of Alex DeBrincat, Matt Boldy, Drake Batherson, Viktor Arvidsson, and Teuvo Teravainen, among others.

Jack Hughes or not – Haula spent ~45% of his 5v5 ice with No. 86 – you still take that all day from Haula.

And it’s not as if Haula was holding Hughes back while the latter dragged him to those numbers. Haula legitimately helped unlock Hughes and get the best out of him.

While Hughes doesn’t need Haula to be an ultra effective player, it is certainly worth noting Hughes did fare better across the board when the veteran was by his side.