Chicago Blackhawks Acquire Defenseman Calvin de Haan in Trade With Carolina Hurricanes
By Jerry Trotta
The NHL has been lively in the trade department since the league's conclusion roughly two weeks ago.
And it's not slowing down anytime soon.
Announced by the Blackhawks' official Twitter account, Chicago has acquired defenseman Calvin de Haan and forward Aleksi Saarela from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for fellow defenseman Gustav Forsling and goaltender Anton Forsberg.
The #Blackhawks have acquired defenseman Calvin de Haan and forward Aleksi Saarela from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for goaltender Anton Forsberg and defenseman Gustav Forsling.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 24, 2019
de Haan is a legitimate blue line defender who will aid a Blackhawks defense that uncharacteristically gave up the most goals in the entire NHL this past season.
Addressing their D is something that general manager Stan Bowman is clearly emphasizing this summer, as this is already Chicago's second completed trade of the young offseason. The franchise recently sent forward Dominik Kahun and a fifth-rounder to the Penguins for defender Olli Maatta.
de Haan, on the other hand, is coming off an impressive season with the Canes in which he compiled 13 assists. He also contributed one goal during Carolina's run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
De Haan tallied 13 assists in 74 regular-season games with the Hurricanes last season. He also helped Carolina to the Eastern Conference Finals, notching one goal in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 24, 2019
https://t.co/lRW4k1C6HQ
What makes his production all the more pleasing is that he is currently doing it on the cheap. The 28-year-old Canadian is signed fore three more years with just a $4.55 million cap hit.