Tony DeAngelo is a controversial figure in the National Hockey League. The former first-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has had a tumultuous career and path to the NHL. DeAngelo is known throughout the league as an elite offensive defenseman with a subpar defensive game.
DeAngelo's history begins in Sarnia, where he played in the Ontario Hockey League (major-junior league). The defenseman has been suspended several times, including once for using a racial slur.
As a result, many NHL teams passed on this highly touted prospect. DeAngelo was eventually drafted late in the first round by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
DeAngelo would bounce around with the Tampa Bay Lightning before being traded to Arizona and then the New York Rangers.
DeAngelo would break out and prove to be New York's power-play quarterback during his second season with the Rangers. He'd score 53 points in 68 games and earn a contract extension as a result.
The Rangers and DeAngelo would reach an agreement on a two-year contract extension with a $4.8 million AAV.
The 2020–21 season would be another setback in the young players' career. The Rangers had reached their breaking point with the newly extended defenseman. DeAngelo appeared in six games and scored just one point.
DeAngelo reportedly got into a heated argument and fought with goaltender Alexander Georgiev early in the season. After the Rangers were unable to find a trade partner, DeAngelo was released and bought out.
The Carolina Hurricanes would be one of the few teams to give DeAngelo another chance in the NHL this offseason. They would sign him to a one-year, one-million-dollar contract.
DeAngelo has excelled with the Hurricanes, especially when paired with Jaccob Slavin. Tony D has nine goals and 31 assists for 40 points in 44 games.
The Hurricanes are currently first in the Metro Division and one of the best teams in the NHL. Carolina's DeAngelo has contributed to the offense while being aided defensively by partner Slavin.
Although DeAngelo is currently out with an injury, he will be another offensive force in Carolina's depth lineup once he returns.
This season, DeAngelo has been a risk that has paid off handsomely for the Hurricanes.