DeAngelo sounds off on being made a healthy scratch for last five games of the season

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TJ Tucker
April 15, 2023 (8:37)

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When the Philadelphia Flyers hired John Tortorella as their new head coach last summer, the chatter started instantly. Everyone knew two big personalities like Tortorella and defenceman Tony DeAngelo were going to butt heads eventually, and it didn't take long for it to happen. Friday was DeAngelo's turn as he answered questions at an end of the season news conference. He was asked about being made a healthy scratch for the final five games of 2022-23, and called it ridiculous.

He's the coach of the team, so you've gotta respect that, and I respect what he does. Do I agree with it, what happened in the last five games? Absolutely not. I think it's ridiculous that I didn't play in the last five.

DeAngelo delicately ducked questions over whether he and Tortorella had discussed why he was being made a healthy scratch. He would only say that he and Torts had chats throughout the season, but never long ones and he wouldn't say what was discussed. DeAngelo did insist that he wants to be with the Philadelphia Flyers next season.

My whole life, I've wanted to be a Flyer, and now I am, so I don't take it for granted at all," said DeAngelo. "It's something that means a lot to me so I'm not gonna let any relationship stuff get in the way.

Earlier this season, when DeAngelo was sitting in the press box for a different stint, Tortorella expressed surprise with how much work DeAngelo needed on his defensive game.

I'm a little bit - not disappointed - but the defensive liability is something we need to work at. I didn't think the amount of work that we need to do with him...I didn't think that at the point in time when we got him, Tortorella said at the time.

DeAngelo has another year remaining on his current deal.