Calvin de Haan Bio
Calvin de Haan (born May 9, 1991) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for Rögle BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Selected 12th overall by the New York Islanders at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, de Haan has spent more than a decade patrolling the blue line in the National Hockey League and has become known for his steady defensive play and ability to contribute in all situations.
A native of Carp, Ontario, de Haan progressed through the Ontario Hockey League with the Oshawa Generals before turning professional. After stints with the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Colorado Avalanche, he was traded to the New York Rangers in March 2025 and later signed with Rögle BK in Sweden.
Early Life and Background
Calvin de Haan was born and raised in the small community of Carp, Ontario, where he grew up alongside his younger brother, Evan. He is the son of Bill and Kathy de Haan, who supported his early interest in hockey. The community setting of Carp offered a grounded upbringing that helped shape his work ethic and team-first mentality on the ice.
He attended Huntley Centennial Public School and later All Saints Catholic High School as he developed his game. During his formative years, de Haan played minor hockey locally before joining the Kemptville 73’s of the Central Junior A Hockey League, where his play drew the attention of Ontario Hockey League scouts.
Path to Hockey
de Haan was selected by the Oshawa Generals in the third round, 50th overall, at the 2007 OHL Priority Selection. Before suiting up for the Generals, he played one season with the Kemptville 73’s, an experience that gave him his first taste of high-level junior hockey. In his first year with Oshawa in 2007–08, he scored 42 points in 58 games and was named the team’s Rookie of the Year.
In his second season with the Generals, de Haan finished second on the team in scoring with 63 points, registering eight goals and 55 assists. He was recognized as the top rookie and top defenceman by the Generals, was selected to the OHL All-Star Game, and played in the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game.
Heading into the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, he was ranked 25th by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and was projected as a late first- or early second-round pick. The New York Islanders traded up to acquire the 12th overall selection and used it to draft de Haan, beginning his professional career path.
Calvin de Haan Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
de Haan turned professional during the 2011–12 season, appearing in 56 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. He made his NHL debut on December 15, 2011, against the Dallas Stars, and was later named to the 2012 AHL All-Star Team after being returned to the minors.
During the 2013–14 season, de Haan split time between the Sound Tigers and the Islanders, skating in 51 NHL games. He scored his first career NHL goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 5–3 victory on January 7. On July 15, 2014, the Islanders rewarded his progress with a three-year, $5.9 million contract extension.
New York Islanders Breakthrough (2011–2018)
After re-signing in 2014, de Haan became a regular on the Islanders’ blue line, appearing in 65 games during the 2014–15 season. He continued to grow into a steady two-way defenceman, contributing on the penalty kill and at even strength while logging important minutes against opposing teams’ top players.
On August 2, 2017, the Islanders re-signed de Haan to a one-year, $3.3 million contract on the morning of his scheduled arbitration meeting. Later that season, he suffered a lower-body injury against the Los Angeles Kings that required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the schedule.
Carolina Hurricanes Era (2018–2019)
On July 3, 2018, de Haan signed a four-year, $18.2 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent. In his first season with the club, he added one goal and 13 assists in 74 regular-season games, helping Carolina return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
de Haan appeared in a career-high 12 playoff games that spring, helping the Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Finals. His tenure in Carolina ended on June 24, 2019, when he was traded, along with Aleksi Saarela, to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Gustav Forsling and Anton Forsberg.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2019–2022)
de Haan played only 29 games during the 2019–20 season before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. The injury interrupted what had been a steady start to his time in Chicago, and the limited availability made it difficult for him to settle into a defined role.
He remained with the Blackhawks organization through the end of his contract and continued to serve as a reliable veteran defenceman when healthy. As a free agent at the conclusion of his deal, de Haan returned to the Hurricanes organization on a tryout basis before signing a one-year, $850,000 contract on October 2, 2022.
Tampa Bay Lightning Era (2023–2024)
On July 2, 2023, de Haan signed a one-year, $775,000 contract as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning, joining his fourth NHL club. Working primarily in a third-pairing role, he appeared in 59 regular-season games and contributed three goals and 10 points while providing defensive stability.
He featured in one post-season game for the Lightning, ending his tenure with the organization at the conclusion of his contract.
Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers Era (2024–2025)
As a free agent, de Haan signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 1, 2024. He provided experienced depth on the Avalanche blue line during the early portion of the 2024–25 season.
On March 1, 2025, the Avalanche traded de Haan, Juuso Pärssinen, and two conditional 2025 draft picks to the New York Rangers in exchange for Hank Kempf, Ryan Lindgren, and Jimmy Vesey.
Rögle BK Era (2025–Present)
Following the trade to the Rangers, de Haan continued his career in Europe, signing with Rögle BK of the Swedish Hockey League. He brings more than a decade of NHL experience to the SHL club and is expected to play a leadership role on the Rögle blue line.
Driving Style and Strengths
de Haan is recognized as a steady, positionally sound defenceman who excels at breaking up plays in his own zone and contributing to the penalty kill. His mobility and willingness to join the rush have produced offence at key moments throughout his career, while his calmness under pressure has made him a trusted presence in late-game situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the milestones in de Haan’s career are his first NHL goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs, his selection to the 2012 AHL All-Star Team, and his career-high 12 playoff games during the Hurricanes’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019. He also represented Canada at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships and won a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Calvin de Haan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Calvin de Haan grew up in Carp, Ontario, with his younger brother Evan and his parents, Bill and Kathy. The close-knit family environment supported his early athletic development and helped him pursue competitive hockey from a young age.
Personal Life
Publicly available information about de Haan’s personal life is limited. He has continued to build his career across North America and Europe while maintaining ties to his family roots in Carp, Ontario.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been a transitional period for Calvin de Haan. After opening the 2024–25 season with the Colorado Avalanche, he was traded to the New York Rangers on March 1, 2025, as part of a multi-player deal that sent Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to Colorado.
Following the trade, de Haan moved overseas to continue his career with Rögle BK of the SHL, joining a club competing in one of Europe’s top professional leagues. The transition to European hockey provides him with a fresh environment and an opportunity to play a leadership role on a contending team.
Looking ahead, de Haan is expected to bring NHL-level experience and defensive reliability to Rögle BK as the club competes in the SHL and pursues a strong finish to the calendar year.