The Recent York Rangers have been eliminated from playoff contention. Only a 12 months after winning the President’s Trophy and making the Eastern Conference Final, that they had a disastrous 12 months. General manager Chris Drury tried to enhance the team through trades, including one with the Colorado Avalanche. The Rangers picked up Calvin De Haan in that trade, but he only played three games with the Blueshirts. Recent York Post reporter Mollie Walker overheard some interesting comments before practice Sunday.
“Calvin de Haan walked past us as he was about to get on the ice and commented on the way it’s all finally over,” Walker posted. “He said something to the effect of, ‘How in regards to the way I’ve been treated here? It’s f***ed.’ We asked if he desired to talk, he said yes, and that he could be ‘very transparent.’”
Walker then reported that De Haan spoke with Rangers PR after practice, and it was decided he wouldn’t speak. She reported that it was the player’s decision, but “it was clear the Blueshirts didn’t want him to speak.”
De Haan was a part of the package the Rangers got in return for Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey. Other trade acquisitions, Carson Soucy and Will Borgen, were suiting up as a substitute of De Haan. He responded to the comments on social media later.
Rangers’ Calvin De Haan responds after controversy erupts
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De Haan may not have spoken to reporters, but he did reply to the comments on his personal social media afterward Sunday.
“I said what I said because I’m frustrated, and any competitor who says that they might be pleased on this position could be lying to you. After playing 3 games for the team and going 2-0-1, I assumed I perhaps would have gotten a possibility to leap into the lineup and help win some games,” the 33-year-old said.
“Did I help win those games I played, perhaps? Possibly not? But we still won and picked up some crucial points to climb the standings. I understand the youth movement within the NHL, and I’m getting older in hockey years, and I could not play each night. I feel like I can still contribute and help teams win.” De Haan’s contract with the Rangers is up after the 12 months.
“I’m not attempting to be the villain or gain attention or throw shade on the organization , I might have preferred a scrum setting to talk about how my time with the Rangers has gone. As a player you’ve to respect the lineup decisions whether you want them or not, it’s just been frustrating not with the ability to compete and do what I like to do. I hope everyone understands.”
