Newly-acquired Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan had surgery on his right shoulder five weeks ago, and has a four-to-six months timetable for his return.
But he’s ahead of schedule and intends on being back on the ice in time for his new team’s training camp.
de Haan on his shoulder: “I’m about five weeks into my rehab. Things are progressing well. I like to think I’m ahead of schedule. … My main goal is to be ready for camp. I don’t want to sit on the sidelines. I want to be on there, grind away, get this team back in the playoffs”
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 25, 2019
The 28-year-old de Haan and forward prospect Aleksi Saarela were acquired Monday from the Hurricanes in exchange for goaltender Anton Forsberg and defenseman Gustav Forsling.
De Haan tallied a goal and 13 assists and 55.64 Corsi percentage in 74 regular-season games with the Hurricanes last season. Oddly enough his lone goal was against the Blackhawks. He also scored a goal in 12 playoffs games for the Carolina, helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Final in their first postseason appearance since 2009.
De Haan, a left-handed shot, was logged the third most time on the penalty kill for the Carolina with 147:22 of ice time, according to Natural Stat Trick.
de Haan spoke to Bowman last night. “I can help bring some stability” to the D. “Something I’ve always taken pride in is killing penalties.”
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 25, 2019
That’s good news for the Blackhawks, whose penalty kill was historically bad last season. If healthy, de Haan should be a big help on the PK.