Tony DeAngelo Returns From Russia, Signs Free Agent Deal Back in Metropolitan Division

Friday, January 24, 2025 , ,


 After not receiving any contract offers as an unrestricted free agent last summer, veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo gave the KHL a try to start this season. That lasted 34 games. He’s back from Russia, and has now signed a free agent contract with the New York Islanders for the rest of the NHL season.

 DeAngelo was the leading scorer among defensemen on SKA St. Petersburg, and third among all rearguards in the KHL in his short time there. "Family reasons" were cited for his departure, and the New Jersey native is now very close to home, on Long Island. He spent seven of his eight previous NHL seasons in the Metropolitan Divison, four years with the NY Rangers, two with the Carolina Panthers and one with the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Because DeAngelo played in another league this season, the rules state that he must clear waivers before he can be activated. He is on waivers now.

It's a one-year, minimum deal for the eight-year vet, $775,000. He'll try to prove to the Isles and the other 31 teams that passed on him last summer that he's worth another try at the NHL level.

Just last week, former NHLer Jordan Schmaltz came to DeAngelo's defense, hoping he would get another shot.

"DeAngelo deserves a sniff back in the National League... Former Teammates I’ve spoke with, love him," wrote Schmaltz. "Just because the woke media has painted him out to be a bad guy over his political views doesn’t mean he’s a bad egg. Plus he’s a smart enough fella to realize this is his final straw if that’s what you want to call it. Dude can play." 

He'll get his chance to play with the Islanders.

DeAngelo had six goals and 26 assists for 32 points in his 34 games in Russia, with a plus/minus rating of +15. 

The 29-year-old has eight years in the NHL, with 210 points in 371 games.

Photo: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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