Reports say Wild center Erik Haula has filed for salary arbitration.
The restricted free agent filed before the Sunday afternoon deadline, the Star Tribune reports.
#mnwild center Erik Haula has filed for arbitration, source says. The sides can still settle on a new contract prior to a potential hearing
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 5, 2015
Typically, players and teams work out a deal before an actual arbitration hearing is held, NBC Sports reports. At a hearing, a neutral arbitrator listens to both sides to help reach an agreement.
Forward Justin Fontaine also filed for arbitration last season, but reached a deal before the arbitration hearing.
Haula, 24, is coming off a two-year $1.75 million contract, according to The Hockey Writers.
Last season Haula played 72 games and had seven goals and seven assists. He played in only two of the Wild’s 10 playoff games, and scored one goal, according the Star Tribune.
Haula is from Pori, Finland, and was drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He also played for the University of Minnesota.
