Reports indicate that defenseman Tony DeAngelo has signed a contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL.
Hearing now that Tony DeAngelo has signed with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL.
— Jesse Courville-Lynch | 🏒 (@JCourvilleLynch) September 22, 2024
At just 28, DeAngelo was a first-round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014 and has demonstrated offensive prowess, achieving a 50-point pace three times in the last five seasons. However, issues off the ice and defensive lapses have hindered his career.
In 31 games with the Carolina Hurricanes, a strong team, he recorded a -7 rating, highlighting his struggles in his own zone. Additionally, past incidents, such as a fight with teammate Alexander Georgiev while with the New York Rangers, have raised concerns about his locker room presence, leading to his waiver by the Rangers.
Although the Edmonton Oilers considered DeAngelo for a depth defenseman role, they ultimately opted for Travis Dermott. With no other NHL interest, DeAngelo is now set to join a list of players in the KHL. After 371 NHL games, it appears his professional career in North America is coming to an end.
The Oilers, however, are still actively seeking to acquire a defenseman, likely aiming for a top-four player via trade during the season. They have the salary cap space and resources to pursue a more impactful player, especially given their close-knit locker room, which makes adding someone like DeAngelo a risky proposition.
