Controversial Defensemen Tony DeAngelo Makes a Shocking Return to the NHL
Tony DeAngelo just left the KHL this past week, and now, he's been given an NHL lifeline by the New York Islanders on a one-year deal.
Just last week, Tony DeAngelo was terminated by his team in the KHL, leading many to speculate on the hockey future of the very controversial defenseman, who last played in the NHL a season ago with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Now, his return is imminent, as NHL Insider Renaud Lavoie has announced that DeAngelo will be back in the league this season, as he has signed a deal for the remainder of 2024/25 with the New York Islanders.
DeAngelo's talent has never been in question, as he has a career high of 53 points in 68 games with the New York Rangers, but given the questionable character off the ice and the plethora of negative feedback from his former locker rooms, it wasn't guaranteed that he'd get another shot at the NHL level.
However, with Noah Dobson currently out, the Isles have a major lack of talent on their blue line, and if DeAngelo can integrate with this team in a hurry, he'll present a major upgrade on either the second or third pairing.
It's unclear exactly how those on the Islanders roster will feel about his return, but given the team are struggling to stay in the Wild Card race in the East, it's a solid move from GM Lou Lamoriello, who is looking to keep this team competitive.
Ultimately, it was just a matter of time until a team looked past the issues with DeAngelo and bet on his talent on the ice, and after posting 32 points in 34 games in the KHL this season, the Islanders are hoping that will translate and give this blue line the major boost they need for the rest of the season.
