"I'm still kind of in shock, to be honest," de Haan said during a conference call with reporters Tuesday. "I didn't think it was going to be me. After Carolina signed me last summer my fiance and I thought we were going to have some roots there, but I get it, it's a business."
Calling the time since the trade a "whirlwind," de Haan said he has embraced the idea of joining the Blackhawks, who under Vice President/General Manager Stan Bowman have been bolstering the team's defensive group.
"Obviously, Stan and the Blackhawks made a deal for me and I feel like I'm wanted," de Haan said. "I'm really looking forward to this opportunity with this organization."
Along with the
addition of defenseman Olli Maatta
on June 15, Bowman has addressed the need to keep pucks out of the Blackhawks' net both at full strength and on the penalty kill.
"I've always tried to play a simple game," de Haan said. "Nothing flashy, just kind of get the job done and I hope Blackhawks fans will really appreciate my game.
"Obviously, special teams are massive and … something I've always taken pride in is killing penalties," he continued. "I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to do that with this organization. I'm really getting excited now."