A Swedish Chapter for a Hockey Journeyman
Calvin de Haan, a 35‑year‑old defenseman who began his professional journey as a first‑round selection of the New York Islanders, has spent the latest chapter of his career in Sweden’s top league with Rögle BK Angelholm.
His North American résumé spans 679 games with six different franchises, a tenure marked by both steady defensive play and occasional flashes of offensive contribution.
The 2023‑24 season proved to be a turning point when he joined Rögle BK on a one‑year deal the previous summer, only to be rewarded with a two‑year extension after impressing coaches and teammates.
De Haan’s time in the NHL was punctuated by a brief and challenging stint with the New York Rangers, where he found himself largely on the bench and later voiced his frustration to the media about limited ice time.
During that period he also expressed a personal ambition to return to his hometown Ottawa and wear the Senators’ sweater, a dream that never materialized despite ongoing interest from both the team and the player.
Beyond the Rangers episode, de Haan has spoken positively about his European experience, citing the competitive atmosphere and the chance to develop his game in a different style.
The decision to stay in Sweden reflects a pragmatic choice: a stable contract, a familiar environment, and the opportunity to continue building on a career that has taken him from Long Island to the shores of the Atlantic and now to the icy rinks of Angelholm.