Former Blackhawks defenseman inks two-year deal to continue hockey career

The 34-year-old defenseman originally joined the club in September 2025 after more than a decade in the NHL.

De Haan has slid smoothly into the SHL, tallying three goals and eight points in his first 17 games with Rogle. That output ranks him among the top 25 scoring blueliners in the league at present.

Born in Carp, Ontario, de Haan was selected 12th overall in the 2009 draft by the New York Islanders.

Over a 13-year NHL career, he also played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, and New York Rangers. He wrapped up his NHL tenure with 679 regular-season games and a career total of 149 points.

Last season proved rough. De Haan split 2024-25 between Colorado and New York, totaling 47 games combined with eight assists, 51 shots, 71 hits, and 63 blocked shots-his lowest output in a full NHL season since the COVID-affected years.

De Haan then made a very unexpected career decision, as we reported in August of this summer.

Many wondered if his NHL days were done, and now it seems that might be the case.

Fans of Swedish hockey saw right away what the club liked about de Haan. He brings stability, experience, and a respectable offensive bonus for a mostly stay-at-home defenseman. It's been a solid fit so far.

Rögle's faith in de Haan suggests they expect him to anchor their defense over the next two seasons. For him, this deal likely represents a stable, appreciated role-something he lacked late in his NHL journeyman stint.