With the New York Islanders latest injury news, placing Noah Dobson on injured reserve. That left the team with a big hole on their blueline. They have chosen to fill that hole with a familiar face from their rivals. The team announced today that they are signing defenceman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year deal for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. He is being paid the pro-rated league minimum of $775,000.
#Isles News: The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. pic.twitter.com/IeL4pBylzi
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 24, 2025
Tony DeAngelo Signs with Islanders
DeAngelo, is a former first round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning from the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, he has bounced around from team to team including a few Metropolitan Division rivals. Starting with the formally known Arizona Coyotes then, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers. Then following the 2023-24 season, he left the NHL and signed with KHL’s St. Petersburg. He played 34 games for them this season registering six goals and 26 assists before the sides mutually agreed to terminate his contract. DeAngelo was free to sign with anyone, however because of him coming over from another league, he must pass through waivers. The 29-year-old has shown flashes of his potential. He scored 53 points in 68 games for the Rangers back in 2019-20 and scored 51 points in 64 games for the Hurricanes in 2021-22.
What It Means
The signing of DeAngelo is a sign that Noah Dobson and Mike Reilly are both not going to return anytime soon. Meaning the Islanders needed an insurance policy on their blueline. Without Dobson, DeAngelo a speedy puck-moving defenceman who can play quarterback on the powerplay fits the bill. It means a very close Islanders Lockeroom is going to have to embrace a big personality. Someone who has had his attitude questioned more than once. It also means that DeAngelo will be a big chance and maybe even his last to prove he still belongs on an NHL roster.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The post New York Islanders sign Veteran Defenceman appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.