NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey Devils forward Erik Haula joined his teammates for their morning skate on Wednesday before hosting the visiting Washington Capitals.
After missing the start of training camp due to an illness, the 33-year-old joined his new linemates, Ondrej Palat and Stefan Noesen.
“Today, I put him in the gameday skate so he could get some more reps with his linemates, but also, it is a lighter day today for him,” Keefe said. “He will go harder in the gym, and then tomorrow, I hope to ramp it back up with an eye for playing on Friday, which, at this point, he is pretty adamant about.”
Mar 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Erik Haula (56) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Keefe confirmed Haula will not play against the Capitals on Wednesday night. Shane Bowers has filled in for the veteran, playing alongside Palat and Noesen throughout camp.
Haula earned 35 points in 76 games last season, including 16 goals. He led all forwards in shorthanded ice time and finished the campaign with a faceoff win percentage of 54.8.
The Devils’ final preseason game before leaving for Prague, Czechia, to participate in the 2024 NHL Global Series is Friday against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena.
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