The NHL put its 2019-20 season on pause March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but remains hopeful to award the Stanley Cup at some point. Although it's unclear if or when it could return, NBC Sports Chicago will recap the season of each Blackhawks player to date in our "season in review" series. Next up is Calvin de Haan.
The Blackhawks were as active on the trade market as any team last offseason and Calvin de Haan was one of their more exciting acquisitions. He was brought in to provide some stability on the back end and play a top-four role, which he can do effectively when healthy.
But injuries have plagued de Haan throughout his career and he re-injured his right shoulder in December, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season after having major reconstructive surgery for the second time in seven months. It was unfortunate timing, too.
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With Duncan Keith (groin) and Olli Maatta (illness) sidelined and Adam Boqvist still in Rockford, de Haan absorbed much of the responsibility on both ends of the ice. His ice time average quickly went from 19:46 to 25:12 before he exited in the first period against Vegas on Dec. 10.
De Haan registered only six points (one goal, five assists) in 29 games this season but his plus-10 rating ranked No. 1 on the team at the time and still does. He’s an important piece to the puzzle.
The Blackhawks are hoping de Haan can pick up where he left off whenever he’s cleared to return, but you have to wonder where the player’s head is at. Going through rigorous rehabs over and over again isn’t just physically taxing, it takes a mental toll as well.
There's no doubt the Blackhawks missed de Haan's presence during the second half of the season. If he returns and can regain his form, it would certainly make the blue line more formidable. But more importantly for both his sake and the team's, you just hope to see de Haan get through a full season without his body betraying him.
NHL
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