Key blueliner for Stanley Cup contender to miss significant time
This summer, after multiple incidents with the team, the New York Rangers finally bought out defenseman Tony DeAngelo and made him an unrestricted free agent. The Carolina Hurricanes gave DeAngelo a low-risk 1-year, $1 million contract and so far, that risk has paid off as DeAngelo has slotted into the top defensive pairing in Carolina and has quarterbacked their first power play unit.
DeAngelo is currently 9th among NHL defenseman in scoring with 40 points in just 43 games. Unfortunately, during Monday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, DeAngelo sustained a lower body injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time.
Coach Rod Brind'Amour spoke to the media today and revealed that Tony DeAngelo will be out for at least a month. With the playoffs just over two months away DeAngelo should be back by then, but if he suffers a setback, don't be surprised if the Carolina Hurricanes are shopping for a defenseman come the trade deadline.
DeAngelo is certainly a polarizing figure in the hockey community. The Hurricanes were criticized heavily after they signed the Sewell, NJ native. Many viewed DeAngelo's laundry list of disruptive behaviour and thought he'd never play another NHL game.
So far, DeAngelo has managed to keep himself in check in Carolina and it appears to be paying off for him, much to the dismay of his many detractors.
