Islanders Sign Controversial Defenseman Tony DeAngelo Amid Injury Crisis

NEW YORK — The New York Islanders signed veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year, league-minimum $775,000 contract Friday, adding a polarizing player to their injury-depleted blue line. The deal, prorated for the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season, comes as the Islanders seek to bolster their defensive corps following injuries to key players.

DeAngelo, 29, began the season with SKA Saint Petersburg of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he recorded 32 points in 34 games. His contract with SKA was mutually terminated Jan. 14 due to what the team described as family considerations in North America. Before joining the Islanders, DeAngelo must clear waivers, a standard requirement for players returning to the NHL from another league.

The Islanders are grappling with the absence of top offensive defenseman Noah Dobson, who suffered a lower-body injury earlier this week and is considered week-to-week. Dobson has been a key contributor this season, tallying 24 points in 46 games. DeAngelo, known for his offensive prowess, could help fill the void. He has 210 points in 371 career NHL games, including a career-high 53 points during the 2019-20 season with the New York Rangers.

“Tony brings a dynamic offensive skill set that we believe can help our team,” said Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello in a statement. “We are focused on improving our performance and making a push for the playoffs.”

DeAngelo’s arrival could also provide a boost to the Islanders’ struggling power play, which ranks last in the NHL this season. In the 2022-23 campaign with the Philadelphia Flyers, he recorded 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) in 70 games, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line.

However, DeAngelo’s signing comes with risks. The defenseman has been a controversial figure throughout his career due to on-ice discipline issues and off-ice controversies. In 2014, while playing junior hockey for the Sarnia Sting, he was suspended twice for violating the Ontario Hockey League‘s abuse/diversity policy, including an eight-game suspension for an inappropriate comment to a teammate. His time with the Rangers ended abruptly in January 2021 after a physical altercation with teammate Alexandar Georgiev.

DeAngelo’s outspoken views on politics and the COVID-19 pandemic have also made him a divisive figure among fans. Despite these concerns, the Islanders are betting on his ability to contribute on the ice as they fight for a playoff spot. The team currently trails the Columbus Blue Jackets by eight points for the final Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference, with two games in hand.

DeAngelo has played for four NHL teams prior to joining the Islanders, including the Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes. His signing signals the Islanders’ determination to remain competitive despite their injury challenges and precarious playoff position.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on DeAngelo to see how he integrates into the Islanders’ lineup and whether his offensive contributions can outweigh the potential distractions.