CALVIN de HAAN WANTS TO PLAY IN THE NHL. NOW.
Could stick around for 9 games; Size is the key
Later on the 18-year old defenseman said he thought he needed at least one more year, and probably two, with the Oshawa Generals before he could even think about playing in the National Hockey League.
Then he showed up at Islanders prospect minicamp, was told by development scouts like former NHLers Eric Cairns and Trent Klatt that he belonged, and started acting like it.
de Haan played well in the scrimmage and was singled out by head coach Scott Gordon for his skating and poise. He made friends with future teammates and went fishing, to ballgames and a concert with them. He listened to Bryan Trottier on the ice and was transfixed by a passionate lecture from Bob Nystrom on what life could be as an Islander in New York. “That was really inspirational,” he said. Perhaps the focus on former Oshawa teammate John Tavares made it so much easier for de Haan to play without hardly any attention.
By the end of minicamp, he looked like a different person. So much so, that we had this conversation on the last day…
You know what, Calvin? For a kid who thought at the draft that he needed to go back to Oshawa, it looks like there’s a small possibility you could start the season with the Islanders.
You think so? Well, that’s my plan.
Your plan? Two weeks ago, you seem shocked you were taken so early and you were telling everyone you had a long way to go.
That’s true, but a lot has changed since then. This camp has been great. I’ve heard from management. I’m not going to say I was dominant, but I felt real comfortable out there in the scrimmage.
I would think it wouldn’t be a Josh Bailey situation where you stay all year. But I can see you staying with the big club until the 10th game, before the first year of an NHL contract kicks in. Then it’s back to Oshawa and maybe the Worlds.
We’ll see. I’m just telling you that I’m going to come to camp as strong and as fit as possible and with a goal of making the Islanders. What makes you say I have a chance?
It’s not, as some might think, to prove the Islanders were right making the jump for you. It’s just that they’re saying a lot of good things, and the little I know about the game tells me you’re far from out of place out there.
That’s good. Everyone says that’s not what minicamp is about, but I wanted to make an impression. It’s been a great week for me. I’m having so much fun, I wish it were longer.
Is getting stronger your biggest need?
Definitely.
Where are you now?
I’m 6-0, 180. Still growing. I’ve grown a lot just over the last year and have a ways to go.
I’m sure the team doesn’t want you to over do it getting too strong too quickly.
That’s the challenge, I know. Let’s see. I’m just saying I want to be in the NHL this season and I’m going to put myself in the best position to make it happen. I think I have a chance.
Point Blank on Twitter
Comments. Goaltending talk continues in next thread.
63 Responses to CALVIN de HAAN WANTS TO PLAY IN THE NHL. NOW.
Could stick around for 9 games; Size is the key
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-Big Van Vader says:
Go De Haan!!!
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thepolishprince says:
I trust the isles drafting team more than the posters here (myself included) who saw something special in this kid. However, isn’t letting him into an NHL lineup even for 9 games an unnecessary risk givin his build? I’d like to see him bulk up in juniors for another year without a 9 game trial.
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Macch says:
Is it true he hasn’t even started shaving yet? I mean this kid has a baby face. I dont see the need to rush him if he hasn’t even fully grown into his body yet.
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JD (e_godard) says:
Nothing wrong with getting his feet wet before going back down for the year.
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hathead68 says:
Kind of gets you a little more excited about the Isles moving up to grab this kid. Look at the size Travis Hamonic has added over the last year. Instead of constantly ripping Garth Snow and DP, some posters need to just relax. Calm down… it will all be OK. The Islanders are coming back.
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kevin fitz says:
Maybe he can play all year in Juniors and come up for the last 9 games of the year (assuming the Isles are not in a playoff chase)
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Staten Islander says:
good plan, let him play 9 games and then go back down. it’s not like he’d going to need to try to grow a playoff beard if he sticks this year anyway
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Matt says:
good to hear. i just hope the kid isn’t rushed and is developed properly. if management feels he is ready to play in the NHL, then so be it.
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Hale says:
to post number 7…THANK YOU!!
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UIF says:
Looks like they did a good job in camp giving these kids a taste and making them even hungrier to reach the NHL. That said, no need to rush deHaan at all. Sounds like he has a great attitude though – humble yet determined.
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This is the type of confidence I want to hear from everyone on this team. He expects more of himself. There are Vets in this league that don’t do that. Good Job Cal, prove you belong in September.
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robby d says:
Nice to hear. Ive been impressed with players we’ve drafted over the past 3 years. We could all the good young dman we can get. In 2 years we could have Hamonic, DeHaan, and Ness playing on our blueline. Dont forget, Witt and Sutton are 33 and Martinek is 32. They are starting to get up there in age.
I have no idea how this season is going to go but if we do end up with another great lottety pick, it will interesting to see if we go offense again or defense?
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doc says:
Nice….
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Pete M says:
I’d rather see him start the year in juniors, go to the Worlds, bulk up some more and get his nine games in at the end of the year.
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James says:
I love this kids attitude, I really am liking what they did to get him. I am undecided on whether it is a good idea to let him play this year though
In a semi-related note, to the person who said the Isles are on their way back; NHL.com had an article of the 10 teams that are on their way up, teams that are described as possibly being the next Pittsburgh. The Isles made the list at #8.
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nystrom23 says:
I like his attitude alot and it defintely shows hes got the drive to make it…but all do respect…major junior is alot different then the NHL and with his frame he risks getting hurt…give him another year of major junior to build up and see what he can do next year
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JPinVA says:
There are a lot of good things about this colt. But let’s not forget that he is running in maiden claimers. You don’t make the jump from there to Grade I stakes races because it’s a weak field and you feel good after a sprint.
There are very few 18 and 19 year olds that should be subjected to the NHL. VERY FEW. Forget about ego and trying to take on too much too quickly. They are just overmatched and are going to get some painful lessons real quick.
As much as everybody liked what Bailey did last year he needed to be in Juniors so he could PHYSICALLY be better prepared this year. He probably STILL needs a 1/2 year in the AHL to work at a little slower pace to really hone his talents.
8 games for de Haan might be perfect… but I hope they aren’t tempted to replace a 3rd pair guy for him… they need to upgrade, not have a wobbly legged colt out there.
I have confidence they will make the right decision, whatever it is. -
StevieL says:
CB, for those of us who no very little about Calvin, What kind of D-man is he?? Stay at home, offensive, a banger?? Anybody in the NHL to compare his game to? I know very little about his game!
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Great to see. Sign him to the entry level deal, allow him to play nine games at the beginning, then go back to juniors for the year, play at the World Juniors as the top d-man for team Canada, and then be ready for the big club next year.
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Mark P says:
I was thinking the same thing #7…..If Calvin can grow like Hamonic he may be ready next year….no problem with 9 games to get his feet wet….but no need to rush him. Blowing through 1 year of his entry contract if he is not ready does not make much sense. Only way he stays is if we have a long term injury early on.
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Tavares #1 says:
I like what I am hearing. Him and Bailey sure have the right attitudes.
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Jon Mac says:
I love his attitude. I think he is going to be great for us down the road.
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Michael R. says:
I’m torn on this. On one hand, I don’t see any need to rush the kid and let him develop slowly. But then on the other, you look at how Bailey has looked so far (I was at his signing at the team store at Broadway Mall, and he looked a lot bigger and more well-built than he did last year). Maybe some time with a few games in the NHL will show him spots that he really needs to focus on to allow for better, faster development?
Despite that, I still lean toward letting him play 1 more year in Oshawa, letting him try to make the team in camp in 2010, and at worst, send him to Bridgeport that season when camp breaks (letting him be the first call-up, either due to injury or performance).
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By the way! I would love to hear that Nystrom talk myself!! Any chance CB you can get Bobby on here to give an overview of what he talked about?
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Mikey says:
I love this kid’s confidence. I admit that I was a bit perplexed when we picked him at 12, but I trust our scouts. Kenny Morrow and our staff have an eye for spotting defensive talent (Streit signing; 3 late round picks in Campoli, Gervais, and Martinek that have turned into regular NHLers.) Having said that, this kid does not have the muscle needed to go into the corners with a guy like Franzen or Lucic. An undersized dman is at much greater risk of injury than an underweight center (Bailey). Bailey played 3 years in junior, but Cal only has one under his belt. Let him develop for another year or two, and then bring him up full-time.
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Brian G says:
He can wait 1 more year – what is the rush.
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Bob says:
I say Oshawa it is. He is not ready. No need to rush.
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lovin lethbridge says:
Great story CB. IF Mr de Haan focuses on putting on two pounds a month, he will be ready from a size perspective for next year. 6′ 205 is a nice sized NHL defenceman. If you dont believe me ask Ray Bourque how he did at that size.
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Dr. Generosity says:
I think we rushed Bailey a bit and we should take our time developing talent. This kid’s still maturing. Want an example? Bryan Trottier traveled with the Islanders during the ’75 playoffs but he didn’t play—Torrey wisely decided that another full year in juniors would serve him best. Same thought here.
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Dave says:
Nine games won’t hurt him, rather it’ll show him exactly what he needs to do to become an NHL regular later on. I say nine games at the beginning of the year would be nice.
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West Coast Fan says:
#26 (StevieL) – I second that. My immediate thoughts were that I’d like to seee a transcript of that speech…
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Priest says:
I like the idea of him playing 9 games at the end of the season, rather than the start. However, if they think he is going to be ready at the end of the season, why not give him 9 games at the start and then bring him back at the end. I’m not positive, but I think he’d be eligible for Bridgeport next season then if they then decide he needs more time to develop, so the only downside I see that we may lose a year of control. Now, I’m not an expert on the CBA or the CHL transfer agreement, so I could very well be wrong about the impact of this, but that is how I understand it.
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Smokey says:
Skill-wise? He’s probably ready. Size-wise? He’s definitely not.
His nine game cup of coffee would be fine if he REALLY impresses in Saskatoon. Keeping him up for a full season would be a mistake.
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isle5 says:
I was down on the pick when they picked him. He has the right attitude and is showing great talent. With the right coaching and allowing him to mature we could have a keeper. He looks real good on the blueline at The Lighthouse.
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Steve S says:
FYI … It’s Oshawa or Long Island. He is not allowed to play in Bridgeport if he still has junior eligibility.
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Carmine says:
I say let him get his taste of the NHL for 9 games and let him see what its like in the big show. Then he can return to juniors to work on the holes in his game and physically mature. He has great attitude, I guess that psych testing they do is a real great tool. I would also love to hear Nystrom’s speech at the mini camp.
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Dooks94 says:
Sounds like the kid has a good head on his shoulders. Confident but not cocky. I like that. If he’s good enough to make the team out of training camp then so be it…even if it is for only 9 games it will be valubale experience. I also thought we rushed Bailey so we don’t want to do the same thing here-he probably will really benefit from another year in juniors and international competition. I say that mainly because he seems on the small side plus we do have a decent core of veteran defensemen that he’d have to send one of them to the bench early. Hey ya never know-but I am thrilled with the direction of this franchise. The future is now and it will unfold right before our very eyes
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AngryPete says:
Wouldn’t hurt for him to get a very small taste and head back down. Hopefully he keeps growing. For those of you who didn’t attend the scrimmage last week …. BAILEY is NOTICEABLY BIGGER this year, I couldn’t believe it.
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kabbage says:
It sounds like the kid didn’t realize how good he really is!
I really like the way these kids handle themselves – Bailey, Tavares, deHaan etc. Makes you think that the pre-draft interviews with the prospects may have given some valuable insight to the Isles management about the type of people they are.
I have heard since the draft that as many as five other teams were hoping to get deHaan in the first round. They were all waiting for him to be around when it was their turn to pick. Makes the move up to #12 look smarter all the time.
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Strummer's Army says:
What we can’t have De Haan taking away valuable ice time from Radek Martinek and Bruno (who plays like the guy in the movie). LOL Seriously love the attitude from De Haan. I think he does have all the skill and poise to play this year but I’d hate to see hit 18yr old 180lb body taking a pounding. If he hires a nutrionist and does High Intensity Interval Training he could easily put on 10-15 lbs before the season starts and at 195 you’d have to consider it. Whenever he starts his career I’ll look forward to it but he needs to be paired with a big mean dude that will protect him and other then Sutton the Isles just don’t have it.
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Chris can you ask Bailey his current ht & wt everyone who’s seen him in person seems amazed.
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Mr. Bill says:
Why not? It’s not like he’d be required to play 25 minutes a night for nine games in a row. If he has done well & has been impressive, why not keep him up for a couple of games and give him some third pairing time? Give him a taste, and he’ll want more.
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Rob says:
Tavares played 4 years of junior, Bailey 3, and Okposo whois physically more mature then both of them played two years of college hockey for Minnesota after he was drafted…
De Haan is smaller then any of the players I mentioned and played only 1 year of junior so far.. Not to mention he is a defenseman and needs to play a more physical game…
Let him mature and grow, physically and mentally.. What is the rush??
Heck, if anyone should be given a shot, why not Hamonic at 6’2 210 pounds..
The Islanders have a history of rushing prospects (Pyatt, Connolly, Nokeleinan)..
Enough of them rushing the kids…
The Isles will be smart and give this kid time to develop..One question.. is Hamonic playing for Bridgeport this year or does he have another year with his junior team in the WHL??
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Isle be Damned says:
I’m all for him getting his 9 games this year. but i don’t see any value in rushing him now. i’d much rather him dominate Juniors and then learn at the AHL for half a year or a full year and then make the jump to the NHL in 2 years.
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Is the 9 games only for a player’s draft year? because those 9 games might be so much more valuable to assess his ability to handle the NHL game next year. He does have 2 years of Major Junior Elig left, right? Why was a full contract year, this year… or next year. If my math is correct Snow would be put under the gun at the end of next year to make him an offer or he goes back into the draft. Kind of like Martin this year.
Is that correct?
In the meantime, we have a crop (1 or 2) D that should start the year in the AHL and have chance at making the NHL through strong play or injury. (Hillen, Katic, Hamonic, Kohn…).
Too many seeds in one spot tend to dry up the nutrition in the soil. -
belarus says:
I’m really concerned about his health if he sees NHL this season. I mean the guy is going to get destroyed by a regular NHL hit.
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anthony c says:
I’m really hoping this kid turns out to be worth moving up to #12 and passing on Moore, and Kassian. I think he was ranked so low among defensemen mainly because he needs to bulk up, cause he did have some impressive numbers and his scouting report was pretty good. But call him up for a few games sometime during the later part of the season, like around spring time then send him back to juniors. It’s good to see that he feels confident now, but the kid has to bulk up to about 195-200lbs at least before he gets a full time roster spot.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB- This kid packs a lot of tude … I love it … I didn’t see him at camp so I really have no opinion of his abilities.
However … for a kid who was projected to go in the mid 20s … and then be shocked to be taken at 12 … and then spend a week with other prospects to suddenly feel he can make the HUGE jump to the NHL is kinda surprising and cocky IMO… learning defense in the NHL is like going for the masters degree … I don’t think his development should be rushed … he’ll get creamed out there.
Calvin … take it easy bro … enjoy being a kid for one more year and come back next fall with guns a blazing.
I’m already a fan of this kid.
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dalcy says:
can he fight?
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Battfist says:
Nice topic!
A ploy to get him confident for camp?
Get him ready for next season.
JPinVA-What are you going to say after Bailey has a very good year this season? Last year didnt stunt his growth…I heard too that he is looking bigger. -
Dan says:
definitely not a fighter hes 6’0” 180 hes a twig. i say give the kid a few games lets see how he is
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Battfist,
I’m sure CB doesn’t want this to be a conversation, but I will defend what I said.
IMO Bailey was overmatched last year. In a better organization he would have been allowed to grow in Juniors and then get a taste of PROFESSONAL hockey in the AHL.
In the long run we won last year because we wound up with Tavares, but that philosophy needs to change.
Think of it on a depth chart basis.
Weight is top 2 center… even at his age.
Tavares is going to get PP minuutes, and top 6 time. He’s not going to play with the grinders on a checking line. If they want to turn him into trent Hunter they need to just blow up the coliseum in september.
Nielsen, right now, is a solid third line, 20 G 25-30 A center.
Let Thompson or Park center the fourth line and let bailey work with what might be the second line in 2010-11 in the AHL.
Those kids, Joensuu, Smith, Dibo and Bailey should be call-ups this year, not starters. They would truly benefit from 10-15 weeks of working together at a slower pace to find themselves.
Everybody that cried, “REBUILD” and “PATIENCE” last year now wants to see these kids get slaughtered again. I’d rather see Snow sign soem 1 year NHL vets to bridge a learning progression… and then we’ll be a monster.
But what the heck do I know. -
Vinny says:
I like this kid, he’s got some swagger. He’s not quite arrogant but he definitley thinks highly of himself in a good way. That belief oneself can really push a pro player to get better and better.
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Im an armchair GM…
but Bailey has a body to play with the big boys. Im sure he’ll play a lot with KO. No reason to start Bailey in the AHL at that speed and then get called up and have to adjust to the speed of the NHL. -
bonzo says:
More bitter posters railing on the Bailey decision…just let it go!
Do you focus on product or process? Here’s an analogy with a summer twist:
Newbie golfer didn’t hit the ball straight, or even very far. Recreational weekend warrior golfers standing nearby laugh, mock and tell him to stick to mini-putt.
But,the thing is, he had a beautiful swing. Great weight transfer, hip rotation, and follow through. Golf pro sees this, and knows things are coming along.
Newbie told to go eat and rest- a good first lesson, and now time to take it to the next level. Newbie golfer comes back next season and not only makes the cut, but shows up on leaderboard. Rec golfers seek autograph with tail between legs.
Snow was right. Janks was right.Gordon was right. You, sitting at home with your cheese doodles, were wrong. Bailey belonged, sorry if you are stuck in 1990′s armchair GM mentality. This is the new NHL.
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M says:
Calvin de Haan is HOT!
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IslesHostage says:
Newby could use more mental and physical development rather than pick up bad habits and be pressured at such a young age. Newby might have a reduced cieling because newbie not allowed to go with golf instructor, newbie has to play at the open and finish dead last for a long time instead of taking the time necessary to become a top qualifier OFF the tour.
Good analogy, though…..Bailey needs some time with Chubs, not Shooter. Luke needed Yoda, not a prosthetic arm and Vader. Bailey needed more work and hopefully it won’t reduce his potential or delay it too much like every other rushed prospect.
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This year would be great to see the kids develop,be in every exciting game even though we lose . Some how score a lottery pick and win the lottery . Draft Taylor Hall next year. superstar line of the future.
Hall-Taveres-OkposoI can dream. Thats how Pittsburgh did it.
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Pete says:
I’m a big advocate of getting him the opening 9 games in the NHL, then sending him back to the OHL.
Best case scenario: Luca Sbiza or Josh Bailey situation where he proves he can be solid in the 3rd D-pairing.
Worst case scenario: Gets his taste of the NHL and sees what he needs to improve upon back in Oshawa, improve conditioning, etc.
Hopefully if he doesn’t stick after the 9 NHL games, he gets consideration for the WJC team. That would be a great way for him to play alongside the elite of his peers.
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Ann Schuurmans says:
I’ve seen him play and if anyone can make it to the NHL, it is Calvin…too bad it’s not Ottawa that’s looking at him. He’d be a great asset. I love his attitude. Keep it up Calvin.
Isles say right attitude. He’ll play in junior one more year and probably need a year or two with the Sound Tigers.