Ex-Rangers star Tony DeAngelo claims his support for Donald Trump led to NHL exile

Former New York Rangers star Tony DeAngelo believes he's not in the NHL anymore because of his support of Donald Trump, who was elected the 47th president of the United States. DeAngelo celebrated Trump's victory, taking to X on Wednesday to praise the "silent majority," who voted alongside him.

After Trump was declared the winner by most major media outlets, DeAngelo tweeted:

"This feels good. I was one of the only athletes to stand behind Trump from day one. It’s one of the reasons I’m not in the NHL anymore but our country is more important! The silent majority once again showed up, people who unfortunately had to be scared to support used the VOTE!"

DeAngelo believes that his vocal support for Trump played a role in his absence from the NHL.

The former defenseman, who played for several teams over his six years in the league, most recently the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2022-23 season, also tweeted about North Carolina, a swing state that voted for Trump this year.

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Tony DeAngelo landed in the KHL after NHL exit

Whether it's due to his support for Donald Trump or other factors, Tony DeAngelo is no longer in the NHL. On Sep. 23, he signed a one-year contract with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL in Russia.

Tony DeAngelo signed in the KHL (IMAGN)

He said via Russian Machine Never Breaks:

“I signed a one-year contract with SKA. I am very happy to be here. My first impression is that I like everything."

He joins a couple of familiar faces, including Evgeny Kuznetsov:

“I have some familiar guys on the team. I’ll be happy to watch the SKA-Avangard game tonight.”

DeAngelo said that playing with "Kuzy" has made the transition easier, offering comfort and familiarity as he joins a new team in a new country and league. He recorded 11 points, on three goals and eight assists in 31 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season, while also adding two assists in nine postseason games.