Well, he's 6'1 which is about the average height of a defenseman. Maybe an inch shy of average, not sure. Either way, physicality is of no importance to me. Being able to play reliable defense is all that should matter, and that's something de Haan does well. Not to mention his ability on the breakout, which is another huge problem for this team. Once the puck enters our zone it stays there, and when we're lucky enough to get the puck it's quickly flubbed to the blue-line and sent right back in deep. de Haan has enough skill and poise to help in that area.
I understand wanting him to shake off whatever rust remains in Bridgeport, but I don't know how anyone could be against seeing him here with the current personnel we're icing. Especially with the reasoning being "he's small".