The New York Islanders signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year, $775,000 contract for the rest of the season. DeAngelo previously played in the KHL this season. He recorded six goals and 32 points in 34 games for SKA St. Petersburg. Despite his strong performance, SKA Saint Petersburg terminated his contract, allowing him to return to the NHL.
Spittin Chiclets shared the news on X, writing:
"Islanders sign Tony DeAngelo to a 1 year 775K contract for the remainder of the season."
The Islanders, who are last in power-play goals with just 14 this season, need help offensively. DeAngelo’s arrival comes as Noah Dobson, their top offensive defenseman, is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
Fans reacted to it after the news circulated on X.
"Desperation move," one fan called it.
"He was just waiting for Trump to come back before he signed anywhere," another fan wrote, referencing his earlier tweet about Trump after his win in the US presidential elections.
"Interesting. He’s a tough dude to play against. He does not give a crap what anyone thinks or says. Kind of a lone wolf, but he is not a bad defensive player. It can’t hurt the Islanders right now, they need help and he has played within the division for multiple rivals too," a fan shared his opinion on DeAngelo.
Here are some more reactions from fans on X:
"Tony D is the most Islanders player ever....pretty sure he drives an IROC while listening to Poison," a fan mentioned.
"Fish Sticks are in Full Desperation mode 💀 Can’t wait to see how long this stint lasts!!" another fan said.
"Cool, cool... this is going to go swimmingly... Patty Roy and Tony D... what could go wrong?!?!? LMAO," a fan joked.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi congratulated Tony DeAngelo
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi congratulated his former Arizona Coyotes teammate Tony DeAngelo on Instagram. He shared a post by Spitting Chiclets and wrote:
"LFG. Congrats my brother 👊❤️."
Drafted 19th overall by Tampa Bay in 2014, DeAngelo has 210 points in 371 NHL games. The Islanders are 15th in the Eastern Conference and have a record of reaching a playoff spot.
DeAngelo thanked SKA and its fans, calling his decision to leave difficult but necessary.
“This decision was not easy, but now it is important for me to be closer to home. It is very sad to leave such a city and such a team in St. Petersburg, they really love hockey, appreciate each player...” he said (per Hockey Feed).
Tony DeAngelo now hopes to help the Islanders improve their standings.