Islanders Sign Ex-Ranger Tony DeAngelo to 1-Year Deal
A Desperate Move to Fill Defensive Void
With their defensive corps thinning, the New York Islanders signed veteran blue-liner Tony DeAngelo to a one-year deal worth the league minimum for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, the team announced Friday.
A Controversial Past
The 29-year-old spent four seasons with the New York Rangers from 2018 to 2021, but in-locker-room controversies and off-ice issues prompted his spell in the Big Apple to end abruptly.
A Journeyman Career
He has bounced around over the last four years. DeAngelo had two separate stints with the Carolina Hurricanes, sandwiching a one-year stay with the Philadelphia Flyers. This season began in Russia with St. Petersburg of the KHL.
Filling a Void
Desperation has forced the Islanders to bring him in. Veteran defenseman Mike Reilly has been on long-term injured reserve after undergoing a heart procedure in November. They then lost one of their very best blueliners, Noah Dobson, on a week-to-week basis after he injured his right leg during Monday night’s win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Puck-Moving Capabilities
DeAngelo does provide the sort of puck-moving capabilities that is being lost with Dobson’s injury. He has recorded 40 or more points in three of his five most previous NHL seasons, including 15 goals and 38 assists with the Rangers in 2019-20.
A Controversial Past
He was cut from the Blueshirts during the 2020-21 season following an altercation in the tunnel leading to the team’s locker room with goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.
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Conclusion
The Islanders have signed Tony DeAngelo to a one-year deal in an effort to fill their defensive void. While DeAngelo has a controversial past, he does provide the sort of puck-moving capabilities that the team is missing with Dobson’s injury. It remains to be seen how DeAngelo will fit in with the Islanders and whether he can help the team make a push for the playoffs.
FAQs
Q: Why did the Islanders sign Tony DeAngelo?
A: The Islanders signed DeAngelo to fill their defensive void, which was created by the injuries to Mike Reilly and Noah Dobson.
Q: What is Tony DeAngelo’s playing history?
A: DeAngelo has played for the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Petersburg of the KHL.
Q: Why was Tony DeAngelo cut from the Rangers?
A: DeAngelo was cut from the Rangers following an altercation in the tunnel leading to the team’s locker room with goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.
