Calvin de Haan joins top contender on a professional tryout

It had been reported that a few teams were in the mix for free agent defenseman Calvin de Haan. On Friday, it was confirmed by reporter Walt Ruff that the blue liner has joined the Carolina Hurricanes on a professional tryout contract.

de Haan had just completed his four-year, $18 million contract that he initially signed with the Hurricanes in 2018, but had been with the Chicago Blackhawks for the past three seasons. In June 2019, he was traded by Carolina with Aleksi Saarela to the Hawks in return for Anton Forsberg and Gustav Forsling. This is a return to Raleigh. 

In 142 games in Chicago, de Haan scored six goals and 24 points. Despite the low offensive upside, he proved to be solid in his zone. 

While he is a left-shot, de Haan has played both sides on the backend in the past and could help the Canes’ depth on the blue line.

Per HockeyViz.com, de Haan has provided even-strength defence at a one percent rate above league average.

He could find a way to crack the roster in Carolina and be part of a great lineup that will attempt once again a long playoff run in 2023.