Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman's comments force him out of the NHL: Unfortunate turn of events
Photo credit: NHL.com
A former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman is officially stepping away from the NHL.
Calvin de Haan, who played for the Hawks between 2019 and 2022, decided to pursue his hockey career overseas.
The 34-year-old defenseman from Ontario signed a contract with Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League:
Here's what the player had to say after joining the team:
"My family and I are really looking forward to it. We are a little nervous; it is a big change for us, but it will be really fun. I had a few other options, but Rögle felt very attractive, and I am really looking forward to coming over and playing."
"I've heard that Ängelholm is a small town, but hockey is the biggest thing there. I've watched some YouTube videos from Rögle's home games, and they are obviously very passionate fans. It's something I'm really looking forward to."
"I have played responsible hockey for a long time in the NHL. I try to take care of my part of the game. I have always been good at handling the puck and can be creative. Then my role in the NHL has not been particularly offensive, so I am very keen to show that I have an offensive upside as well."
"I've heard that Ängelholm is a small town, but hockey is the biggest thing there. I've watched some YouTube videos from Rögle's home games, and they are obviously very passionate fans. It's something I'm really looking forward to."
"I have played responsible hockey for a long time in the NHL. I try to take care of my part of the game. I have always been good at handling the puck and can be creative. Then my role in the NHL has not been particularly offensive, so I am very keen to show that I have an offensive upside as well."
He took part in 679 NHL games after being drafted 12th overall by the New York Islanders, playing also for the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Hawks, Colorado Avalanche, and New York Rangers, where it didn't end too well.
Could de Haan's Comments On The Rangers Have Pushed Him Out Of The NHL?
At the 2025 trade deadline, de Haan was dealt by the Avalanche to the Rangers but didn't like how he was treated in New York.
He was sent into the lineup for three games, in which he had an assist and a +3 plus/minus, but was scratched afterward and didn't shy away from sharing his honest opinion on the situation with the press, saying something to "the effect of, 'How about the way I've been treated here? It's (expletive).'", per the New York Post's Mollie Walker.
de Haan clarified what he wanted to say, but in the end, it may have had an impact on his decision to leave the NHL.
In his own words:
"I said what I said because I am frustrated, and any competitor who says that they would be happy in this position would be lying to you.
After playing three games for the team and going 2-0-1, I thought I maybe would have got an opportunity to jump into the lineup and help win some games.
Did I help win those games I played? Maybe? Maybe not? But we still won and collected some crucial points to climb the standings. I understand the youth movement in the NHL, and I'm getting older in hockey years, and I may not play every single night.
I feel like I can still contribute and help teams win. I know I'm not going to play 20 minutes a night in the role I've been in the past few years, but again, I feel like I can still keep up and help a team in certain facets of the game."
After playing three games for the team and going 2-0-1, I thought I maybe would have got an opportunity to jump into the lineup and help win some games.
Did I help win those games I played? Maybe? Maybe not? But we still won and collected some crucial points to climb the standings. I understand the youth movement in the NHL, and I'm getting older in hockey years, and I may not play every single night.
I feel like I can still contribute and help teams win. I know I'm not going to play 20 minutes a night in the role I've been in the past few years, but again, I feel like I can still keep up and help a team in certain facets of the game."
It'll be interesting to see if de Haan will try to return to the NHL after the next season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 141 ANSWERS Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman's comments force him out of the NHL: Unfortunate turn of events Do you think Calvin de Haan will return to the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 33.3 % |
| No | 94 | 66.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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