READER POLL: REGARDING CALVIN de HAAN
A case of arrested or proper development
Think of the best NHL franchises, your standard-bearers for finding players, developing talent and contending for championships. Would any of them even consider keeping a skinny, untested 18-year old defenseman like Calvin de Haan on their NHL roster? The 2009 12th overall pick may not look out of place, at times may look smooth, but he has just one modestly successful season of major junior under his belt. So think about the top-class organizations and decide whether they would rush de Haan to the NHL. The view here is they wouldn’t, and hopefully the Islanders are thinking the same way. Comments.
88 Responses to READER POLL: REGARDING CALVIN de HAAN
A case of arrested or proper development
-
Ajax says:
Have you MET Garth Snow?
-
Steven says:
De Haan looks like the real deal. I think it’s probably best to have him spend one more year in juniors. I think he should be pretty much a lock for next season.
-
HilbertSnipe says:
let hillen get some more experience or let meyer give 110% percent this season and let CdH develop in the system.
-
Strummer's Army says:
Well Chris, I agree with what your saying in the facts that De Haan has tremendous ability but needs to add more muscle and experience before jumping to the NHL but your ignoring the big question. The question is why did Garth Snow do nothing all last season nor this summer (or since he took the job) to improve the true weakness of the team (the defense) that a skinny 18 yr old d-man with only one season of OHL experience could be knocking on the door?
De Haan should be returned but only because he needs to bulk up, he is better then most of the Isles current D.
Snow needs to start cleaning house and immediatley bring in three d-men that are better and fit the mold to pair with Streit and who ever else survives.
-
Justin says:
It’s crazy to think De Haan would play in the NHL this season and really, no reason for the Isles to put him there. Let him develop another year or two, this team isn’t going to be very good anyway.
-
bossjones1 says:
It would just be one more player we would have to worry about getting physically destroyed…not worth it.
-
Mikey says:
CB- I agree 100%. You’ve provided a nice formulation of my WWDD (“What Would Detroit Do”) Rule. If the Isles want to be a first-class franchise, then they need to start behaving like one. The Wings would never throw an undersized dman with one OHL season out there. De Hann shows great promise, but he is undersized and needs work. We will be risking a devastating injury or a shattering of his confidence to put him on the team. Some will bring up Hedman, Doughty, and Bogosian, but those guys had much more junior experience and were much stronger than Calvin at his age. Also, you cannot compare Calvin to Bailey (Josh had 3 years of OHL experience and is not a dman). I am excited about De Hann, but he needs to develop properly.
-
KLann says:
play him!
-
mt275 says:
They wouldn’t and they shouldn’t. Next year is still too soon.
-
I dont tink they are going to keep him up all season- but he might get the 9 games. I think a big thing they want to do is build up his confidence. When he was drafted he is the only draftee Ive ever seen who practically said he didnt think he was going to go as high as he did, and that he needed years more development. I think they want to let him know that he is a talented kid and is better/closer than he gave himself credit for being. Then I think he will go back down. Thats what I see happening and I hope that is how it plays out. However, I must also point out that unlike many of my fellow fans I do not believe in the idea of “ruining” a player by letting him get a load of the big show.
-
considering everybody “stroked out” when this kid was drafted, it seems like opinion on CdH is changing. so first, credit where it due. nice pick GS. hes a defenders, where size is important. look at the progress JB made in one off season in terms of building a NHL body. MOve him down, and let his body catch up with his frame. it appears from the 09 draft, we have collected both a top shelf foward and blue liner. nice work garth.
-
Jim Clark says: Plant him down on the farm and let him grow.
-
rb says:
Return to juniors for one more year. The kid himself said it’s tough handling guys down low. But a real keeper from the looks of things. Seems the scouts were right on the pick and moving up.
-
walter says:
give him his nine games and send him back to juniors
-
Mojo says:
9 games and then juniors. Can only help. What do we have to lose.
-
Two Time Zones Away says:
De haan stays….
C’mon Chris….we already bailed on Gilroy.Didn’t we?
-
M Howard says:
Please let him develop. Bailey was in-over-his-head last year. We remember how DP was originally set back by an early entrance to the NHL. De Haan is small and will get battered and bruised if he doesn’t put some meat on those bones. At most, let him spend 9 games up here so his contract doesn’t kick in
-
Isles6 says:
I do not think that there is any question that he is going to play those first nine games before he goes back to juniors. They will use it to tell him this is what you need to do to be here next year…plus, it is only a matter of time before Martinek & Sutton get hurt, so they are figuring if he is here for those games, and one of them gets hurt that early….
-
big dally mac says:
Absolutely CB send him back to win a World Jr. Championship and then next year get him to Bridgeport. What is the rush here?
-
LGH says:
Please do not rush yet another fine prospect. We’ve seen it too many times with Conolly, Bailey, DiPietro… Let him develop in the system. Give him another year in juniors and then he can prove himself in Bridgeport and get called up whenever Martinek is broken.
-
billy says:
i agree with maybe giving him the 9 games and then going back to junior, but on the other hand it appears he has been outplaying people in an NHL training camp and he’s a skinny and unproven 18 year old. That says a lot and remember they traded up twice to get him obviously proving he has a good skill set. This isnt Milbury people, Snow actually seems like he has a bit of a clue
but at this point i would give him a chance over meyer and hillen. Meyer has become fragile and hillen just isnt going to be the offensive player we need.
-
Spartiarti - RVC says:
Yes very nice pick by garth indeed. That’s why u nver pass judgement too quickly. Dehaan does need a few more years to develop. Kid has great skills and is very smooth skater.
I would not compare gilroy to dehaan. Gilroy is 22 I believe if not older. Also remember that competition in juniors is way tougher than college.
Dehaan in 4 yrs could be standout dman in nhl.
-
battfist says:
He does look awfully small.
The 9 game plan sounds good to me too… -
Staten Islander says:
9 games and then let him spend the year in Bridgeport. Next year see where he is phisically. He DOES look like a good pick though.
-
I have not seen any games yet so I am not going to say whether he is ready or not because I have no idea. BUT if he is ready then YES, keep him up. This is not 15 years ago where 18 year olds cannot compete in the NHL. These kids today are much more prepared at a younger age to compete in the NHL then they used to be. That, along with overexpansion, has made it possible to develop your TOP prospects at the NHL level. So if they feel he has the ability to play in the NHL at this point then I say keep him up.
-
bossy4president says:
100% AGREE WITH #5
I would though give him 9 games. I found myself watching only him every time he stepped on the ice last night. On one play he got the puck at a dead stop and just took off with it. Real quick kid. Might be the sleeper, good job by our scouts on this one. Even though we could’ve got him later. Unless they felt someone was going for him sooner. He’s going to be a GREAT Islander one day.
-
KO21 says:
The fact of the matter is, DeHaan in skin & bones compared to Pro NHL’ers. Pronger will throw him around like a rag doll if he tries to compete in real meaningful games. I do agree, tho, that it would be a great benifit to allow him to play for the 9 game maximum before his NHL contract kicks in. Obviously, Gordan should be carefull and pick his spots and to make sure he’s not too over matched by a 6’6″, 250 lb’er. Just a thought.
I was wondering if Botta ever asked Garth if he is concerned about the future stars like KO and Bailey getting taken advantage of by guys like phenuef and is he going to address the fact that this team is vulnorable without and big skilled bruisers.
CB, what’s the deal-yo??? Isn’t this a question burning on every serious Isles fans minds? Isn’t it obvious this team ha absolutly no chance because they will be intimidated let along set to the hospital on stretchers? Please CB, can you answer this post because it needs addressing. Isles fan are worried for our guys.
-
the bomber says:
gilroy is like 24 i think
-
Rich says:
Actually, I went to the game last night and Calvin looked alright. I’ll extend KUDOS to Garth and Ryan for pulling this kid out of the draft when and how they did. Yes, he is smaller and undersized while he’s still developing. Howerver, that’s what rebuilding is about– giving quality playing time and key situational play to younger, less experienced players. (JT looked no stronger on the puck than Calvin last night) Of course, Calvin can’t and shouldn’t be compared to Gretzky, who was 170 pounds at 17 years of age when he made his NHL debut. Or Bossy for that matter, who was referred to as a “shoe-lace”. Let the kid play the 9 nine games and evaluate him. He’s going to be great to watch and hopefully, they’ll keep him up here all season.
-
Handlanger says:
Is it possible that they keep him up cause they think playing with Streit will be for his best?! Streit was never a big guy either and manages himself very well… in a way like Weight is going to be JT’s mentor and Streit is going to be DH’s?! I can imagine this very well…
Talking about his body… I mean JT’s body is not ready too – Baileys wasn’t ready too – but he did fine in his first year.
-
Exactly Handlanger!He’s going to be exciting. Think of the PP and pouncing on the turnovers, generated by forecheckers, in the offensive zone!
JT/KO/Weight/Streit/DeHaan -
Joey303 says:
Forget 9 games- send him back to juniors and let him develop.
-
Leviticus says:
de Haan certainly seems like a great pick. I would be curious to hear an opinion from someone with NHL management and player development experience…would be interesting. But, if he stays for 9 games and continues to excel the question is, how would he improve by going back to juniors and playing in a slower less skilled game? I think that was the logic with Bailey and while he struggled at times he certainly seems comfortable with speed and intensity now. Calvin won’t get bigger during season ANY WHERE he plays… That’s for off season. So, I think we let the staff of the isles evaluate this after 9 games and trust their decision.
-
Oren says:
I don’t know….if he can perform in the pre-season and people want to send him to Bridgeport why not play him. Yeah he’s not bulked up but wouldn’t he be best suited to bulk up while playing against the best competition. Whats the point in him dominating in juniors when he can be LEARNING on the NHL level….
-
Ron says:
Give him the 9 game look at the NHL and then send him back to Juniors to get the playing time he needs against competition that won’t overmatch him. He’s shown great poise, but there’s no better way to destroy that confidence than by throwing him to the wolves before he’s ready.
-
Blizzard says: This isnt Detroit, I say give him 9 games and see how he does. The kid has some skills and Juniors aint gonna help him develop any faster than playing with this AHL squad.
-
Mike from Philly says:
Chris,
I think you answered your own question. The Islanders are so far away from being a top notch organization that its not even funny. Fans wonder why we many of our prospects never amount to anything besides a 3rd line checker. The Isles do not develop their kids right, they rush them to quickly (Bailey). -
Isles fanatic says:
For mytwo cents worth, I BELIEVE the Isles will do the right thing and return the kid back to juniors, but I would not be surprised to see him play a few games at the beginning of the season.
-
CIsle says:
de Haan is poised for a MONSTER season with a huge international appearance for his country. These events should take place in the OHL and at the WJC, respectively.
-
thepolishprince says:
No no 1000 times no. Send him down. Let him grow and dominate jrs.
-
Eric Nelson says:
I think it would be wise on multiple levels to go the Juniors route. First of all we have Tavares possibly going for a Calder this year. I realize that this may be far fetched given his preseason performance but from Snow’s perspective let’s say that you give him a chance this year, Calvin deHaan a shot next year and then your 2010 1st rounder a chance the following year. Does that not seem like a solid game plan for a GM to help people develop. Picking up some hardware in the meantime can help the image of the club and build confidence amongst the players.
-
Original Rob says:
Of course a “top-class” organization wouldn’t keep him on the NHL roster. But we’re not talking about one of those, we’re talking about the New York Islanders…
-
Marc says:
Send him down. Let him mature, especially physically.
-
kabbage says:
I think he’ll play his 9 games with the Isles, then get sent back to Oshawa (juniors). I can see him dominating in junior and then get traded to a contending team at the deadline and playing for the Memorial Cup. Then he’ll play in Bridgeport in the playoffs.
And then next year he will be with the Isles out of training camp.
-
Frank D says:
I think they will give him a taste like they did with Josh Bailey, But unlike Josh, they will send him down, and so they should.
-
I dont get the developing people wrong thing. i guess all the complainers on here have a short term memory. Every went nuts when Bailey was thrown into the fire. Who looks better at this point in career. Bailey or Filatov? Answer will be bailey and you will see it even more this year.
But i do agree, DeHaan coould use some more time develop. Its scary that after streit and grevais he is the next best dman in preseason.
I remember quite a few of you Bashing the DeHaan pick just a few month ago and all i said is you can not critique what Snow is doing until a few more years.
Jury will be out. Passing on Schenn and Filatov last year, Moving up to 13 to take DeHaan over Zach Kassian.
Just think how sad our prospect base was 3 yrs ago. Now we have DiBo, Martin, Petrov, Niemi, trivino, hamonic to compliment Bailey, Okposo and now Tavares.
-
Bryan says:
Please just put him in juniors and let him grow up. Then next year let him play in the AHL and learn the pro game.
-
Irish Isle says:
After thinking about this, I think the best option, or perhaps based on past moves, the Isles will habve CdH play 9 games to start the season. Then hopefully send him back to the Juniors, where he can be the leader of the team, go to the worlds, and face top talent there. Also while you can learn in preseason, let CdH get a real feel for the speed of the game, let him make some mistakes, experience the physicality, and let him work on making improvements for next year.
Also I would give him the phone number of Bailey’s personal trained, and have him work out with him for the next year. -
Numbers65 in OHIO says:
How many top defensive picks of last year went right to NHL- Doughty, Shenn, Scbisca, etc. Think of some other big names before that. Think of the other defensman drafted this year that will play. If he makes the team let him, looks like we slid up and picked him for a reason.
-
Eric says:
De Haan looks like the real deal. It looks like moving up twice to get him is going to be a great move for the Islanders. Hopefully it turns out that way and I think it will. The Islanders are in dire need of an all-star defensemen coming through there system. Whats the last time we had one? Hopefully he can give this orangization a spark on D like say a Mike Green or even Deon Pheneuf(prick). With that said, the kid is skin and bones. Even if he is ready skill wise and mentally he might not be ready physically. It seems like he will make a fast transition into the nhl. Give him a year in juniors, maybe even bring him up for 9 games late in the year, but let him get experience, more muscle mass, etc in juniors. Absolutely no reason to rush him just because garth snow was foolish not to get a dmen over the summer. I really believe that is this teams weakeness. Its not so much offense which is obviously not that great but we are not good defensively especially size wise. I like Snow, but damn I dont know how he did not sign a dmen over the summer!
-
Angelos says:
Give him the 9 games to get a taste then send him back to juniors. Do it the proper way. No need to rush it. It’s not a make or break year for this team.
-
i didn’t get to watch, but i fully promote using patience and letting him develop.
12 is not that far from 9…and playing in the NHL worked for Bailey so it’s hard for me to say it wouldn’t work.i mean if a guy’s ready he’s ready. but i don’t see the harm in having him start in bridgeport. say he proves steady after 20 games or so. say we get hurt like i fear we will. send him up! and let’s start feeding this kid, get his weight up!
-
Zteller says:
#53 De haan cannot start the year in bridgeport or go down there at all. It’s either back to OHL or NHL per the OHL rules because he is not old enough
-
therain93 -- terriers fan says:
I’m torn. DeHaan paired with Streit means he’ll be getting some decent minutes against top-line foes and mentoring from a decent d-man.
But, at the same time, I think that rushing him will be of little benefit either. As some have said, it’s basically a whole other weight class. Let him learn the system in Bridgeport, develop his frame and then plug him in as injuries go, up to the 9 games, perhaps filling him in more as the season progresses.
Yes, he was a first round pick but just because the islanders are so low on the totem pole and desperate for quality, that doesn’t mean they should push him to play at this level like he’s a #1 or #2 overall pick. Okay, so I convinced myself that he should be sent down after the pre-season.
-
Or to the OHL if that’s where the rules dictate he should play….
-
mike says:
Crosby played as a scrawny 18 year old and did quite well. This kid is the real deal and beats much of what we’ve got. Let him play now. Look how far along Bailey cam in one year.
-
drew says:
The ONLY thing that worries me about de Haan is his size. Would love him to bulk up a bit before taking on the NHL. With that said, the OHL won’t bulk him up. From what I’ve seen, heard and read, this kid is ready for the NHL. We’ve seen skinny 18 y.o.’s in the NHL before, so this is nothing new. We have nothing to lose by at least trying Calvin out for the 9 game deadline. If he shows he’s REALLY not ready, then send him down.
-
Justin Marques says:
It’s funny how you put this up, CB. I wrote a blog last night about this and posted it this morning on Hockey Independent. He should not be rushed into the NHL!
-Justin
-
ShardZ says:
In this case I’m torn. I’m a big fan of players earning their spot on the roster aka no guaranteed spot for FMIV just because he’s older and on contract. Last night (the only game I’ve actually gotten to see this preseason) de Haan was making some offensive plays that are incredible for a kid his age/size. On defense…the whole team looked a bit weak in their own zone last night, especially on PK (when NJD was 2-for-2…) I was not particularly impressed or dissapointed with de Haan.
Could he make the NYI a better team this year? Yes, easily already better than at least a few of our “top 6″. Could he benefit from another year in juniors? I say YES. imo, none of the Islanders prospects (including de Haan, Moulson, and even JT) looked like shoo-in, already at NHL level players last night. JT will of course learn as he goes in the NHL, but de Haan still has more that he could learn in the OHL.
He stays up or he goes down, either way I see the logic. -
jethro09 says:
De Haan is a minimum of two yers away from being NHL-ready. He needs to add serious strenght to play in the NHL, skill alone is not enough. This year in the OHL, next year in the Bridge. At 20, he may be ready for the NHL.
-
I dont know what everyone is talking about in reference to BAILEY. BAILEY was not ready last season and should have not even sniffed the NHL. I am not even sure if should have came up to play 9 games but because the islanders were so far back last year, I wouldnt mind if he played 9 games, but he was CLEARLY NOT READY FOR THE NHL. I honestly think bailey needed 1 maybe 2 years in juniors/bport. Reminds me of Tim Connolly who needed 2 years in the minors, but he was ahead of bailey at the same age if you look at his rookie stats. I just dont think Bailey is ready, they really rushed this kid. I hope it does not deteriorate his career.
-
beatlebailey says:
If Gordon and Snow think he is ready he should play here in the NHL. I dont think he will stick long term this year but do think he will get the 9 games.
-
Merrick says:
DeHaan should not play in the NHL this season.
-
Tond says:
top-class organizations dont waste a whole draft on a skinny d man who isnt ready and 2 goalies…(jt was an ez pick even for us)
-
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Playing catchup here since a lot happened since Tuesday … on the Calvin de Hann situation … I think as much as Calvin would LOVE to make the NHL roster this fall … I think it’s in the best interests of all involved that he return to Oshawa to continue to develop. Take what he learned from prospect camp and pro camps and apply it to dominating the blue line in Juniors. It will be best for Calvin and the NY Islanders.
Calvin has held his own … but he hasn’t done enough IMO to pry the job away from more established players … not to mention on the business end of things the Isles are kinda tight on the contract player roster. ALSO … Garth needs to sandbag … he can’t have ALL these young stud prospects having contract years the same two year period. Okposo, Bailey, Dibo, Martin, Kessel*, Koskinen, Tavares and then deHann… sure I’m missing a few too.
-
I agree, keep him up for 9 games, see what he can do and then send him back to juniors.
-
jbranny says:
deHaan is not ready yet, that is very clear. The problem is some of our veteran defensemen look pretty dull this preseason. Namely Freddy Meyer and Andy Sutton.
I bet next year only Streit, Gervais, Hillen and perhaps Martinek will be back. There will be plenty of room for deHaan.
-
doc says:
I thought de Haan actually looked bigger than I expected.
What’s the downside to playing him this year at the NHL level?
He was interviewed about 2 months ago and he said it was his INTENTION going into training camp to MAKE the TEAM. Many of us thought that was very optomistic of him and a bit premature… but he’s doing just that.
If they think he’s ready… why not?
Why should he wait, as many have said, and give him 3 years between juniors and the Bridge and in 4 years he’ll be a stud for us. That’s waaaaaay toooooo loooooong.
Luca Sbisa is a good example.
DOC
-
islesfandownsouth says:
Do not rush the kid. If i’m right the 9 games can be whenever. Send him to his junoir team, and if the time is right let him play the last 9 of the season. No need to rush him at all. He will not be a differance maker this season.
-
Bobby says:
Do you want him to be a top pair NHL defenseman or another in a long line of 1st round busts rushed to play too early? Lars Jonsonn, Jeff Kealty, Nolan Baumgartner, John Aitken, Lance Ward…all can’t miss, top 10 picks who, with the exception of Baumgartner, never even played a game past the age of 21!
Let the kid develop.
-
All, I have to say is WOW! I was at the game last night and was really impressed. This kid is smooth, makes smart plays, and gets right back into position when after playing the puck. Sure he needs more size, but so did Baily. I’m fine with whatever they decide, but after watching him play last night, I don’t think he has anything more to prove. Great trade, and great pick by Garth and company.
-
Jamie says:
DeHaan looked good last night! I think he is better than Hillen and Meyer as a 18 year old kid (does not really say much). I would like to see the Islanders add a d-man to the Roster like the Flyers Randy Jones (I here he is going to get cut). If we do not add anyone than lets give DeHaan the 9 games and see what happens!
-
jimfromstjames says:
If he looks this good, let him play & stay, Do you think he is going to put on 40 Lbs & grow 2” in a year? No, let him learn how to handle & avoid the hits & contact. Somebody used gretzky as an example, and I can think of a dozen guys that are too small but can handle them selves. He’ll go down to the AHL, have a good season, but will he learn how to handle a pronger in the AHL? I don’t know just what he could learn in the AHL, that he wouldn’t learn with hte big club.
Clubs like Detroit don’t usually put kids that young into the line-up cause they usually don’t need them, but if DET had a player hat looked this good, they might.
Let him make the mistakes & learn this season in the NHL.
As for the team needing an enforcer, Phaneuf thugged KO in a pre-season game, & a few guys did answer the bell, just not Dion ( wuss ). nowadays the fights are all choreographed anyway, do you all really think that is the ISLES had Domi on the bench that would have stopped Phaneuf? No he would have hit KO, and re-fused to fight out heavyweight anyway. -
i4e11 says:
Should not touch the NHL this season. Way too small – definite keeper though.
-
Anthony says:
I think a few games at the NHL level would benifit him; then it would be a greater help to his development to send him to juniors for the rest of the season. He looks fantastic, let his game and body grow for a year; no need to rush him…
-
Where does this too small stuff come from?
What is he? 6’1″ 185? That’s too small? I guess Martin St. Louis should still be in the AHL until he grows a little bigger then.DOC
-
Ethan K says:
I would let him play the home opener against Pittsburgh. Let him be in one game against a Championship team, so he realizes what he’s gotta be ready for next year. I think he has to know that he has a tremendous opportunity right now in the organization, and a year from now he should be prepared, like Comeau and Bailey did this offseason.
-
hockeytime says:
9 games should be good, then send him packin’ for the OHL. I think he has deserved a look. He looks better than Kohn and MacDonald out there and they have some pro experience.
-
i am liking de haan. like the dude above me said, he DEFINITELY looks better than kohn. macdonald’s alright, but at least he’s big.
-
EnforcerPlease says:
Keep him for nine games and send him down. The good news is he looks like a great pick and the second best D man on the team. The bad news is what does that say about the rest of our D men. And we still need an Enforcer!!!!!!!
-
Tim F. says:
The kid can play, but should do it back in the OHL this year. Next year, he’s an Islander. He’s too good to ever play at Bridgeport.
-
Smokey says:
The nine games should be a tryout. If he impresses, let him stay. He’s not really 6’1″, 185… I’ve seen him up close and he’s much closer to 5’10″, 170… but on the ice he doesn’t look physically out of place at all. If the skills are for real, he should tough out the year in the bigs.
As for people recommending the Isles should stagger their free agents over several years, that’s a secondary concern to putting the best possible product on the ice. As for people urging de Haan to go to the WJCs, that apparently wasn’t a problem for Bailey, and anyone watching closely knows that he’s coming along very nicely. You don’t really appreciate that kid’s insane passing skills until you see a game in person. There are looks he sees from the ice that I can’t even pick up from the third deck. When a kid’s gifted, a kid’s gifted.
-
isles14 says:
back to juniors
-
SIR WILLIAM says:
Give him the 9 games and see how he does. If he can play his way onto this team then he should be given every chance to do so. It should be quickly evident if he belongs in the NHL or not…..SIR WILLIAM
-
UIF says:
No reason to rush deHaan. What’s the point? I didn’t see the point with Bailey last year and don’t see the point now with deHaan. I like Sir William’s nine games idea, but I would go further. I’d put those nine games toward the end of the year and make them contingent on him sticking with a prescribed training program. If he shows the commitment, he gets his nine games, and we get to see fuller-sized deHaan look even better and more prepared out there. Much like Bailey last year, and from the little I’ve seen, deHaan’s got the vision, just not the size.
let him develop like our other prospects.