Tony DeAngelo makes his feelings known about signing with NY Islanders amidst facing scrutiny over controversial past

NHL defenseman Tony DeAngelo made his debut for the New York Islanders on Saturday, Jan. 25, after being signed for the rest of the season. DeAngelo played at 25:10 of the game against his former team, the Carolina Hurricanes, which the Islanders won 3-2 in overtime.

DeAngelo played for St. Petersburg in the Russian KHL during the first half of the 2024-25 season before his contract was terminated a few weeks ago, prompting his return to the U.S. The Islanders signed him on Friday, and he returned to the ice after defenseman Ryan Pulock suffered a lower-body injury just 15 seconds into the opening period

"It’s just great to be back," DeAngelo said, speaking to the media postgame. "It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m grateful for it. As for hockey, I’m not going to change my game. I’m still going to play with poise, patience, and confidence. The touches will come, but it was a good start tonight and a good win. Two weeks ago, it was something that looked not impossible but pretty bleak.”

He also commented on his whirlwind signing process.

"Obviously, injuries happen across the league. You don't wanna see anybody go down," DeAngelo said. "But a void opened up, and I just got back [from Russia], so the timing worked out,” DeAngelo said.

The Islanders' signing of DeAngelo is seen as a controversial move among NHL pundits and fans alike. His career has been marred by a series of conflicts both on and off the ice. In 2021, he was released by the New York Rangers after reportedly getting into a physical altercation with teammate and Rangers goalie Alexandar Georgiev.

He was also suspended twice from the OHL for repeated instances of abusive language and using racist, homophobic, and sexist language.

Tony DeAngelo claims he was forced out of the NHL because he supported President Trump

DeAngelo has also repeatedly asserted that his exile from the NHL was because of his open support for Donald Trump. On election night, he posted a message on X congratulating the 47th President.

“This feels good. I was one of the only athletes to stand behind Trump from day one,” Deangelo posted. “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!”

On Jan. 6, he posted another message lauding the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.