Heading into the off-season, one veteran defenseman thought he’d have some offers on the table, and soon enough, those offers flamed out. But after impressing so far in training camp, he has turned a professional tryout into a one-year contract for the 2022-23 NHL season.
31 -year-old Calvin De Haan joined the Carolina Hurricanes for training camp on a PTO and recorded one assist in his first preseason appearance against the Florida Panthers.
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston confirmed the contract value:
Originally selected 12th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2009 Entry Draft De Haan has registered 19 goals and 100 assists in 520 career NHL games with the Islanders, Hurricanes, and Chicago Blackhawks.
De Haan played one season in Carolina back during the 2018-2019 season, where he logged 74 games, tallying one goal and 13 assists for 14 points. He has spent the last three seasons playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and now finds himself joining a playoff contender where his veteran leadership will come in handy. While De Haan may not be known for his offensive ability, he can provide solid defense that should help solidify Carolina’s third pairing or help as a seventh defenseman.
Carolina currently has Jacob Slavin, Brady Skjei, and Ethan Bear penciled in on their left side, with newly acquired defenseman Brent Burns on the right side along with Brett Pesce and Dylan Coghlan.
His new one-year deal is the perfect comparison for fellow veteran defenseman Anton Stralman who is currently on his own professional tryout with the Boston Bruins.
