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These players are the Most Improved for the Surging Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators had really nowhere to go but up after their 68-point campaign in 2024-25, but they are looking like a much improved squad over the past month.
ByChad Minton|
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Dec 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates a goal with left wing Filip Forsberg (9) against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Dec 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates a goal with left wing Filip Forsberg (9) against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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William Carrier, Erik Haula
Carolina Hurricanes v Nashville Predators | John Russell/GettyImages

Erik Haula a surprising contributor on offense for Nashville Predators

Let's start with Part 2 of Erik Haula's career with the Predators. I must admit that I had very little excitement when Haula was acquired over the 2025 offseason in a trade with the Devils that dealt a fourth-round pick and prospect Jeremy Hanzel.

Haula is actually making a much bigger impact than I saw coming. He's logging 16:41 of ice time, two minutes more than his last season with the Devils. He's producing on the Predators power play as well with six assists and two goals. Definitely didn't see that coming.

With 19 points in all 36 games for the Predators so far this season, Haula is on pace for 43 points. That would be his third-highest point total in a season going back to 2017-18 with Vegas when he put up 55 points.

Back in Haula's one and only season with the Predators in 2020-21, he put up 21 points in 51 games.

Haula has been moved all over the lineup with different linemates, but his most time has been spent with fellow vetarans Michael Bunting and Jonathan Marchessault. He has also seen some time with Steven Stamkos on the same line and Luke Evangelista. He's been moved everywhere, basically.

How about this most recent game-winning overtime assist right on the tap of Stamkos' stick to beat the Minnesota Wild?

As we approach the trade deadline, Haula will be a likely trade piece and his production for the Predators only helps the cause to get the most out of him as possible. It still probably won't be much, but he's a player that probably has to be moved in the next month or two.

Haula is a UFA coming up in the next offseason, so the Predators almost certainly need to try to trade the 34-year-old. Here's to hoping he keeps raising that value so a playoff hopeful team finds interest in the veteran.

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