Tony DeAngelo has officially returned to the NHL, this time with the New York Islanders, after signing a contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The deal, which was confirmed on Friday, comes at the league minimum salary of $775,000 and will be prorated based on the number of games left in the season. This comeback follows a stint in the KHL, where DeAngelo began the season playing for SKA Saint Petersburg. After not securing an NHL opportunity during free agency, he temporarily pursued a career overseas, amassing an impressive 32 points and 33 penalty minutes in just 34 games.
DeAngelo’s exit from the KHL came after a mutual termination of his contract on January 14, attributed to family issues that required his presence in North America. Navigating the emotional complexities of professional sports, particularly the relocation and family dynamics, plays a significant role in an athlete’s career decisions. While talented and scoring proficiently, DeAngelo’s path has wavered—reflecting not just on his skills, but the real-life circumstances affecting his professional trajectory.
Before donning the Islanders jersey, DeAngelo must clear waivers—an essential step for all players returning to the NHL after playing abroad. This precaution is especially pertinent given the Islanders’ current defensive woes following an injury to top offensive defenseman Noah Dobson, who will be sidelined for at least a few weeks. With Dobson’s 24 points in 46 games showcasing his significance to the team’s defensive lineup, DeAngelo’s signing is a timely maneuver by the Islanders to shore up their backline and inject offensive prowess into their game.
The 29-year-old defenseman’s history in the NHL reads like a story of contrasting achievements and hurdles. Drafted 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, he has since played for four other teams, including the New York Rangers, where he enjoyed his most productive season. However, controversies have often overshadowed his skillset—culminating in a notable fallout with Rangers goalie Alexandar Georgiev, which ultimately saw him depart from the franchise.
DeAngelo’s post-Rangers journey included a brief tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes and a trade to the Philadelphia Flyers, where dissatisfaction led to a contract buyout. One can’t ignore the impact of DeAngelo’s outspoken nature, both on and off the ice, which has drawn ire from segments of the hockey community, particularly regarding his political views and public comments surrounding sensitive issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
As he steps into this new role with the Islanders, there remains a significant unknown surrounding DeAngelo’s future. Will he be able to translate his potential into consistent on-ice performance while managing the scrutiny that follows him as a polarizing figure in hockey? The next chapter of his career might not only determine his place within the sport but also how athletes navigate the intersection of personal belief and professional responsibility in an increasingly connected world.
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