Calvin de Haan Bio
Calvin de Haan 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 built a steady career in professional hockey, logging more than a decade of service across multiple organizations. A left-shooting defenceman listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 195 pounds, he is recognized for his dependable two-way play and quiet consistency in his own zone.
Born in Carp, Ontario, de Haan developed through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) ranks before turning professional, going on to represent several NHL franchises. Beyond his club commitments, he has also worn the maple leaf at the international junior level. He continues to compete at the professional level in Europe after a long and varied North American career.
Early Life and Background
Calvin de Haan was born on May 9, 1991, in Carp, Ontario, Canada, a small community located west of Ottawa. He was raised alongside his younger brother Evan by his parents, Bill de Haan and Kathy de Haan. Growing up in a tight-knit hockey community in eastern Ontario, de Haan was introduced to the sport at a young age, eventually channeling that interest into competitive minor hockey.
For his schooling, de Haan attended Huntley Centennial Public School before continuing his education at All Saints Catholic High School. It was during these formative years that he began to attract attention from junior scouts, particularly through his work with the Kemptville 73’s of the Central Junior A Hockey League. His play in that league served as a springboard into the OHL.
Path to Hockey
de Haan’s path to top-level professional hockey began in earnest when he was selected by the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League in the third round, 50th overall, at the 2007 OHL Priority Selection. After a season of junior A hockey with the Kemptville 73’s, he joined the Generals organization and immediately made an impact. In 2007–08, he was named the team’s Rookie of the Year after producing 42 points in 58 games, signaling a rapid transition into elite junior competition.
In his second OHL campaign in 2008–09, de Haan finished second on the Generals in scoring with 63 points, registering eight goals and 55 assists. The club named him both its top rookie and top defenceman, and he was selected to play in the OHL All-Star Game and the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game. Ranked 25th by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ahead of the 2009 NHL entry draft, de Haan was projected as a late first- or early second-round selection, but the New York Islanders moved up to take him 12th overall.
The following season was disrupted when de Haan required surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, ending his year prematurely. The setback did not change his long-term trajectory, however, and he transitioned to the professional ranks shortly afterward.
Calvin de Haan Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
Calvin de Haan turned professional during the 2011–12 season, splitting time between the New York Islanders of the NHL and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He made his NHL debut on December 15, 2011, against the Dallas Stars, and went on to appear in 56 games for the Sound Tigers that year. His strong AHL play earned him a selection to the 2012 AHL All-Star Team.
Across the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, de Haan continued to balance time between the AHL and NHL, eventually becoming a more permanent fixture with the Islanders. He scored his first career NHL goal on January 7, 2014, against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 5–3 victory, a memorable early milestone in his top-level career.
New York Islanders Era (2011–2018)
de Haan became a regular on the Islanders blue line beginning in 2014–15, appearing in 65 games that season after signing a three-year, $5.9 million contract on July 15, 2014. His steady, defensive-first style helped stabilize the team’s back end and earned him a role as a trusted shutdown defenceman.
On August 2, 2017, the Islanders re-signed de Haan to a one-year, $3.3 million contract, completing the deal shortly before a scheduled arbitration hearing. His season was cut short, however, by a lower-body injury suffered against the Los Angeles Kings, which required surgery and cost him the remainder of the year. Despite the setback, his seven-year tenure with the Islanders established him as a reliable NHL defenceman.
Carolina Hurricanes Era (2018–2019)
On July 3, 2018, de Haan signed a four-year, $18.2 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. In his first season with the club, he added one goal and 13 assists in 74 regular season games, helping Carolina return to the post-season for the first time in a decade. He went on to appear in a career-high 12 playoff games as the Hurricanes advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2019–2022)
de Haan’s time 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. His stint in Chicago was limited, as he played just 29 games in the 2019–20 season before undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. Following the conclusion of his contract, he entered free agency.
Tampa Bay Lightning Era (2023–2024)
After a brief return to Carolina on a tryout that was converted into a one-year contract, de Haan signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 2, 2023, agreeing to a one-year, $775,000 deal. Working primarily in a third-pairing role, he appeared in 59 regular season games and contributed three goals and 10 points. He also featured in one post-season game, bringing his time with the Lightning to a close at the end of the campaign.
Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers Era (2024–Present)
As a free agent on July 1, 2024, de Haan signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Colorado Avalanche. His stint with the Avalanche ended on March 1, 2025, when he was traded, along with Juuso Pärssinen and two conditional draft picks, to the New York Rangers in exchange for Hank Kempf, Ryan Lindgren, and Jimmy Vesey. de Haan later signed with Rögle BK of the SHL, where he continues his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Calvin de Haan is regarded as a defence-first blueliner whose value comes from positional play, reliable gap control, and a steady presence in his own zone. He is comfortable playing significant minutes against opposing top lines and has built his career on sound decision-making with the puck rather than offensive flash. His ability to log heavy minutes while remaining effective has made him a trusted option for coaches at every level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of de Haan’s career include being selected 12th overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft, scoring his first NHL goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014, and helping the Carolina Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019. He also earned selection to the 2012 AHL All-Star Game and represented Canada at multiple IIHF junior tournaments, including a silver-medal performance at the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Calvin de Haan Career Wins
Calvin de Haan’s professional record is defined more by longevity, defensive reliability, and team contributions than by goal-scoring totals. Across his time in the AHL and NHL, he has been a consistent presence on blue lines rather than a frequent point producer. His career is most notable for his roles in helping multiple franchises reach the post-season.
NHL and AHL Highlights
In the AHL, de Haan produced a strong rookie professional season in 2011–12 with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, leading to a 2012 AHL All-Star Game selection. In the NHL, he became a regular fixture on the New York Islanders blue line, posting his first NHL goal in January 2014 and logging 65 games in 2014–15. With the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018–19, he played a career-high 12 playoff games en route to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Other Wins and Performances
At the junior level, de Haan was named the Oshawa Generals’ Rookie of the Year in 2007–08 and earned team honours as top rookie and top defenceman in 2008–09. Internationally, he helped Canada win a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, contributing assists across the tournament before missing two games following a head injury against Switzerland.
Calvin de Haan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Calvin de Haan was raised in Carp, Ontario, by his parents, Bill de Haan and Kathy de Haan. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Evan de Haan, in a supportive household that helped nurture his early development in hockey. The family’s roots in the Ottawa-area community have remained a steady presence throughout his professional journey.
Personal Life
Publicly available information about Calvin de Haan’s personal life is limited. He is known to be Canadian by nationality and has built his professional career across North America and, more recently, Sweden. Further details about his marital status, spouse, or children have not been publicly confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Calvin de Haan’s 2024–25 campaign began with the Colorado Avalanche, where he was part of the blue-line mix before being dealt at the NHL trade deadline. On March 1, 2025, he was traded to the New York Rangers as part of a package that sent Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey, and Hank Kempf in the opposite direction. The move reunited him with a familiar Original Six organization in a different role than his first stint in the league.
Following the conclusion of the NHL season, de Haan signed with Rögle BK of the SHL, opening a new chapter of his career in Sweden. The transition to a top European league represents an opportunity for regular minutes and a prominent role on a competitive club. His experience and defensive discipline are expected to be central to Rögle’s plans for the upcoming campaign.
Looking ahead, de Haan remains an active professional defenceman with the durability and positional awareness to contribute at a high level. His move to Rögle BK positions him for a leading role in a new league, while his NHL experience ensures he remains an attractive option should clubs seek veteran depth in the future. The 2025–26 season will offer a fresh challenge and a chance to add an international dimension to an already lengthy career.