Tony DeAngelo’s return to the NHL marks a significant comeback for the 29-year-old defenseman, who has signed with the New York Islanders for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. With a prorated league minimum salary of $775,000, the move was announced on a recent Friday, indicating that the Islanders are looking to fill the void left by the injured Noah Dobson. As the Islanders’ top offensive defenseman, Dobson’s absence leaves a gap in the lineup, making DeAngelo’s acquisition both timely and strategic.
Before joining the Islanders, DeAngelo began the season with SKA Saint Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was unable to secure an NHL deal during the free agency period, prompting his overseas move. During his time in Russia, DeAngelo proved his offensive prowess, tallying 32 points and accumulating 33 penalty minutes in just 34 games. However, his KHL adventure was cut short with a mutual contract termination on January 14, attributed to family matters back in North America. This abrupt ending underscores the instability that often characterizes DeAngelo’s career.
As DeAngelo returns to the NHL, he faces the procedural necessity of clearing waivers before taking the ice for the Islanders. This step is crucial as it determines whether any other team in the league may claim him, which reflects the volatility of his situation. His tumultuous history in the league, marked by on-ice incidents and off-ice controversies, injects an element of uncertainty into his re-entry. Nevertheless, the Islanders are optimistic about his potential contributions.
DeAngelo’s career has been a winding road, with multiple teams reflecting both his talent and the challenges that come with it. Drafted 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes two years later, marking the start of a series of moves that would take him to the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers. Notably, the pinnacle of his career came during the 2019-20 season with the Rangers, where he amassed a career-high 53 points in 68 games. Yet, his time with the Rangers ended in controversy following a physical altercation with teammate Alexandar Georgiev, which significantly tarnished his reputation in the league.
Not only has DeAngelo’s on-ice performance made headlines, but his outspoken views on social issues have also contributed to his divisive public image. His controversial stances on various topics have garnered both praise and backlash, underscoring the complexities of his character. Even early in his career, while playing for the Sarnia Sting, he faced suspensions for violating the Ontario Hockey League’s policies on abuse and diversity, mirroring the controversies that followed him into the NHL.
As DeAngelo joins the Islanders, fans will undoubtedly watch closely—not only for his performance on the ice but also for how his presence influences team dynamics and public perception. His journey is a reminder that talent alone does not guarantee acceptance,
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