The New York Rangers' defensive issues are well-documented. With concerns around K'Andre Miller, Carson Soucy, and Will Borgen, the Rangers are still looking for a solution to their problems on the blue line. However, the coaching staff has seemingly forgotten a member of the organization since his acquisition. That is Calvin de Haan, and the Carp, Ontario native could stabilize parts of the Rangers' defensive unit moving forward if he was given a shot.
de Haan has been around for a while; he's not new to the NHL and isn't an inexperienced kid needing help. He has been deep in the postseason with multiple teams; he's been around some of the best players in the NHL and knows how to play at this level. However, the Rangers opted for mixed bags like Zac Wilson and Urho Vaakanainen before installing de Haan into the lineup, which is confusing.
When Peter Laviolette is looking at his defensive options, why does he not go for someone who has been in this league for 13 years and played for six different teams? He's a journeyman, sure, but he's useful. If he weren't, teams would stop signing him to contracts. It is confusing for the Rangers coaching staff, and explaining that to the fans would be hard. I cannot find a reason for it.
All I can suggest is that perhaps the Rangers do not like that de Haan's offense is not where you'd like it to be regarding how the Rangers want to play. He's a calming presence on the ice who has been in plenty of playoff chases. There's a lot to like regarding what de Haan can offer, and he should be getting more of a look than he is. Was he only acquired to allow Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to be traded to Colorado?