Tony DeAngelo Signs One-Year Deal with New York Islanders After KHL Stint

NEW YORK — The New York Islanders announced Friday the signing of defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season. The 29-year-old defenseman returns to North America after terminating his contract with the KHL‘s SKA St. Petersburg on Jan. 13, citing family reasons.

DeAngelo, who previously played for the New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers, had a standout performance in the KHL, recording six goals and 32 points in 34 games. His offensive prowess made him the highest-scoring defenseman in the league during his stint.

“We’re excited to add Tony to our roster,” said Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello. “His offensive skills and experience will be valuable as we push for a playoff spot.”

DeAngelo’s NHL career includes 377 games, during which he tallied 48 goals and 210 points. Last season, he played 31 games with the Hurricanes, contributing 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in a limited role. He also stepped up during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, averaging over 19 minutes of ice time per game and recording two assists in nine postseason appearances.

Despite his on-ice success, DeAngelo’s career has been marked by controversy. During the 2020-21 season, the Rangers sent him home early after a reported altercation with teammate Alexandar Georgiev and a series of controversial social media posts. The team eventually bought out the remainder of his contract.

DeAngelo’s return to the NHL comes after a brief stint in the KHL, where he reportedly focused on meeting performance bonus benchmarks. While his defensive abilities have been questioned, his offensive contributions remain undeniable. In the 2019-20 season with the Rangers, he set a career-high with 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists).

The Islanders, currently in the midst of a competitive playoff race, are hoping DeAngelo can bolster their blue line. “We believe Tony can help us in key situations,” said head coach Lane Lambert. “His experience and skill set align with what we need right now.”

DeAngelo’s signing adds depth to an Islanders defense that has struggled with injuries this season. The team is banking on his ability to contribute offensively while maintaining stability in their defensive zone.

As the NHL season progresses, all eyes will be on DeAngelo to see if he can make the most of this opportunity and help the Islanders secure a playoff berth.