'It F***ed': Calvin de Haan Unleashes On Rangers After Controversy
.jpg)
After being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche on March 1 as part of a deal that sent Ryan Lindgren, Jimmy Vesey, and a prospect the other way, the veteran defenseman played just three games before being scratched for 18 straight.
On Sunday, de Haan’s frustration boiled over when he was overheard by reporters saying, “How about the way I’ve been treated here? It’s f--ked,” as he stepped onto the ice for morning skate in Florida.
Going to get ahead of this now…
— Calvin de Haan (@cal_dehaan) April 13, 2025
I was hoping that I would have been able to express in a scrum setting versus a quote as I was going onto the ice and having it on the Internet 30 seconds later. I said what I said because I am frustrated , and any competitor who says that they…
Initially willing to speak with the media afterward, de Haan changed his mind following a conversation with the Rangers' public relations staff. Instead, he addressed the situation on social media later that day.
“I said what I said because I am frustrated, and any competitor who says that they would be happy in this position would be lying to you,” de Haan wrote on X. “After playing three games for the team and going 2-0-1, I thought I maybe would have got an opportunity to jump into the lineup and help win some games.”
He added that he isn’t trying to “be the villain or gain attention or throw shade,” but just wants to play and contribute.
The decision to bench de Haan coincided with the Rangers spiraling out of playoff contention. After starting the season strong, the team collapsed and was officially eliminated following a 7-3 loss to Carolina.
Despite defensive struggles and injuries, the coaching staff chose to give minutes to younger players like Zac Jones and Urho Vaakanainen. Most recently, the Rangers called up 24-year-old Matthew Robertson, who will make his NHL debut against Florida while de Haan remains a scratch. “Just wasting time,” de Haan reportedly muttered during Sunday’s skate.
Let’s hear it Calvin de Haan 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/OSMT6jnalv
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 13, 2025
De Haan now joins a growing list of Rangers who’ve aired grievances with the organization this season, including former captain Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, Jimmy Vesey, and Zac Jones.
With his contract expiring this summer, the 13-year NHL veteran is all but certain to test free agency. “It’s just been frustrating not being able to compete and do what I love to do,” de Haan said. “I feel like I can still keep up and help a team in certain facets of the game.”
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
