Tony DeAngelo is officially back in the NHL, having signed with the New York Islanders for the 2024-25 season. The announcement was made on Friday, securing DeAngelo a contract worth the league minimum salary of $775,000, adjusted for the remaining games. This signing comes after a tumultuous journey that included a stint with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL, during which he recorded an impressive 32 points in just 34 games. This performance, however, did not guarantee him a spot in the NHL, prompting his move back to North America due to familial considerations.
DeAngelo’s return is not just about his individual skills; it’s also a strategic maneuver by the Islanders following the loss of Noah Dobson, their key offensive defenseman, to injury. With Dobson sidelined and considered week-to-week, the Islanders are in desperate need of offensive firepower from the blue line. DeAngelo, with a career total of 210 points in 371 NHL games, is perceived as a potential solution to fill the void left by Dobson. His ability to generate offense from the back end could provide a much-needed boost for the Islanders in this current season.
However, DeAngelo’s career has been far from straightforward. Drafted 19th overall in 2014 by the Tampa Bay Lightning, he has since bounced between five NHL teams, including a significant tenure with the New York Rangers where he peaked offensively. His history includes both impressive statistics and notable controversies. Notably, his time with the Rangers ended abruptly following a confrontation with goalie Alexandar Georgiev, raising questions about his temperament and fit within team dynamics. His outspoken nature, particularly regarding sensitive topics like politics and the COVID-19 pandemic, has made him a polarizing figure within the hockey community.
Taking into account DeAngelo’s mixed reputation, the Islanders‘ decision to bring him on board is a calculated risk. While he has the potential to elevate the team’s offensive game, his history raises concerns about locker room chemistry and public perception. Given his earlier disciplinary issues, including suspensions during his junior career for violating abuse and diversity policies, the Islanders’ management will need to ensure that DeAngelo’s past does not manifest negatively within the team environment.
DeAngelo’s next steps involve clearing waivers before he can lace up for the Islanders, which will be an essential hurdle to navigate. As the team handles this transition, both fans and analysts will keenly observe if he can harness his evident skill set while fostering a constructive atmosphere among his teammates. Whether DeAngelo can genuinely redefine his career trajectory or if he remains a controversial figure will ultimately be painted on the ice in the months to come. The stakes are high for both DeAngelo and the Islanders, as they look to find synergy amidst the challenges of the ongoing season.
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