The Finnish center would add another goal in the subsequent preseason contest two days later at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers in a 5-2 triumph. Through three exhibition slates, Haula has posted two goals on 11 shots.
When asked Friday afternoon about his camp so far, it didn't take long for Haula to change the subject from himself to the team.
"I think it's been good. I feel like I was ablet to get acclimated fairly quick which helped everything," he said. Adding: "Training camp has been good. The team is working hard. The commitment by everybody to really try to get better and take the next step as a team has been real positive. That's been the message."
Perhaps it's only a minor subtly. But it's obvious that Haula has a "team-first" mentality. And that, amongst many other reasons, is why the Devils worked in the off-season to make him part of the organization.
"He's brought hardness. He's played well in all zones. He plays the game the right way," Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. "He has a physical dimension for our centermen down the middle."
The Devils coveted Haula's veteran leadership and experience. He's played nine NHL seasons with Minnesota, Vegas, Carolina, Florida, Nashville and Boston. In that time, he's totaled 534 career games played, 112 goals and 240 points. Not to mention a 29-goal season and Stanley Cup Final appearance (both occurring in 2017-18 with Vegas).
"He's a great two-way player. He works really hard on the ice. That's an element we needed on the ice," said Tomas Tatar, a former Vegas teammate of Haula's. "Off the ice he's played a lot of games in the league. He can bring the experience to the locker room. He's been vocal so far, which is good. I think we needed it. That's a great addition."
With a locker room full of fresh early-20s faces, Haula is an elder statesman, even at just 31 years of age. He's hoping to be a mentor as well as feeding on the youthful atmosphere himself.
"It's fun. It's a lot of young guys, a lot of energy in the room. I'm enjoying it," Haula said. "(Mentoring is) the goal. And probably part of the reason they wanted to get me here. I'll cherish that role and be the best player and best teammate that I can be."
Though Haula is excited about imparting his knowledge to his teammates, that doesn't mean he knows everything. In fact, Haula has an open mind when it comes to learning and evolving.
"I still learned a ton last year being on Boston's team," he admitted. "You want to always be willing to learn no matter what stage of your career you are. I feel like that's when you make your biggest jumps and get better in some areas and grow as a player."
Haula has learned from many great players throughout his career. Two of which were captains Mikko Koivu in Minnesota and Patrice Bergeron in Boston. While those two were hardly the only players to influence Haula, he holds them in very high regard.
"I've had great captains. Koivu to start my career. I had Bergeron, two guys that have been around a really long time," Haula said. "I learned a lot from them, and multiple others as well. Those are two guys who have worn the 'C' for a long time for a reason and are true leaders in my opinion."
While he may be a veteran in the lineup, Haula is looking for ways to improve himself. So, how does he actually feel about his own game?
"It's on the right track. I feel like there's been a lot of good things," he said modestly. Adding: "I've had the approach that every game is a chance to get better in some area or try to get more comfortable in something, so when (the regular season starts) next week, I'll be real comfortable with everything.
"I think it's been good. I'm really healthy and feeling good so it's real positive."
