Who is Tony DeAngelo? Tony DeAngelo is a name that echoes in the world of professional ice hockey. Born on October 24, 1995, in Sewell, New Jersey, DeAngelo has made a significant mark in the NHL. From his early days playing minor hockey to becoming a free agent, his journey is filled with both triumphs and challenges. Known for his offensive prowess and sometimes controversial behavior, DeAngelo has played for teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers. His career highlights include winning the Max Kaminsky Trophy and the CHL Defenceman of the Year award.
Early Life and Minor Hockey
Tony DeAngelo's journey in ice hockey began at a young age, setting the stage for a dynamic career. His early experiences shaped his skills and determination.
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Early Life and Minor Hockey: DeAngelo started playing minor ice hockey in Sewell, New Jersey, until age 14, when he joined the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL.
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USHL Career: Despite a knee injury cutting his season short, DeAngelo's talent shone through. The Sarnia Sting selected him in the second round of the 2011 OHL Priority Selection Draft.
Rising Through the Ranks in the OHL
DeAngelo's time in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) was marked by impressive performances and accolades, setting the stage for his NHL career.
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OHL Career: DeAngelo's offensive prowess was evident with the Sarnia Sting, scoring 58 points in his sophomore season.
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Trade to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds: In 2015, DeAngelo was traded to the Greyhounds, where he won the Max Kaminsky Trophy for OHL defensemen and the CHL Defenceman of the Year award.
Entry into the NHL
DeAngelo's transition to the NHL was marked by significant milestones, including his draft selection and early professional experiences.
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NHL Draft: The Tampa Bay Lightning selected DeAngelo 19th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with them later that year.
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AHL Debut: DeAngelo played one season with the Syracuse Crunch, the Lightning's AHL affiliate, before being traded to the Arizona Coyotes, where he made his NHL debut in 2016.
Challenges and Controversies
DeAngelo's career has not been without its challenges, including suspensions and behavioral issues that have impacted his professional journey.
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Physical Altercations: In January 2017, DeAngelo was suspended for three games for physically assaulting a referee during a game against the Calgary Flames.
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Trade to New York Rangers: On June 23, 2017, the Coyotes traded DeAngelo to the New York Rangers in exchange for center Derek Stepan and goaltender Antti Raanta.
Career with the New York Rangers
DeAngelo's time with the Rangers saw both growth and setbacks, highlighting his potential and the challenges he faced.
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Rangers Career: DeAngelo started ten games with the Rangers in the 2017–18 season before being sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. He was called back up after Kevin Shattenkirk's knee injury in January 2018.
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Improvement Under Coach Quinn: During the 2018–19 season, DeAngelo showed significant improvement under coach David Quinn, scoring 30 points in 61 games and leading the team in penalty minutes with 77.
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Restricted Free Agent: After the 2018–19 season, DeAngelo became a restricted free agent. Salary negotiations dragged into the Rangers' training camp before he agreed to a one-year, $925,000 deal on September 20, 2019.
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Breakout Season: The 2019–20 season was a breakout year for DeAngelo, scoring 53 points, including 15 goals and 38 assists, in 68 regular season games before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Contract Extension: On October 15, 2020, the Rangers signed DeAngelo to a two-year, $9.6 million contract extension.
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Behavioral Issues: Despite his on-ice success, DeAngelo continued to face behavioral issues. He took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on opening night of the 2020–21 season and was subsequently benched for the second game.
New Beginnings with the Carolina Hurricanes
DeAngelo's move to the Carolina Hurricanes marked a new chapter in his career, bringing both opportunities and controversies.
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Trade to Carolina Hurricanes: On July 28, 2021, the Carolina Hurricanes signed DeAngelo to a one-year, $1 million contract. The signing was controversial among Hurricanes fans due to DeAngelo's reputation.
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Gordie Howe Hat Trick: On October 30, 2021, DeAngelo registered his first Gordie Howe hat trick with a goal, an assist, and a fight with Reese Johnson of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Philadelphia Flyers and Further Challenges
DeAngelo's career continued with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he faced new challenges and milestones.
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Trade to Philadelphia Flyers: On July 8, 2022, the Hurricanes traded DeAngelo to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for draft picks. He signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Flyers.
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Suspension: On March 8, 2023, the NHL Department of Player Safety issued DeAngelo a two-game suspension for spearing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry.
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First Player Bought Out Twice: DeAngelo became the first player in NHL history to be bought out more than once after the Flyers terminated his contract in 2023.
Return to Carolina Hurricanes and KHL Stint
DeAngelo's career took another turn with a return to the Hurricanes and a brief stint in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
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Return to Carolina Hurricanes: Following his buyout, DeAngelo signed a one-year deal to return to the Hurricanes on July 24, 2023.
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KHL Stint: On September 23, 2024, DeAngelo signed a one-year contract with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL. He was selected to play in the KHL All-Star Game but was terminated from his contract after three consecutive losses.
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Family Reasons: DeAngelo and SKA mutually agreed to terminate his contract due to family reasons, officially ending his stint in the KHL.
Overcoming Early Career Challenges
DeAngelo's early career was marked by challenges that tested his resilience and determination.
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Early Career Challenges: Despite his current success, DeAngelo faced early career challenges. He was given two 10-minute game misconduct penalties in a December 7 match against the Albany Devils during his time with the Syracuse Crunch.
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Offensive Output: DeAngelo has consistently shown strong offensive output throughout his career. He scored six goals and 37 assists in 69 games with the Syracuse Crunch.
Leadership and Community Involvement
Beyond his on-ice achievements, DeAngelo has taken on leadership roles and engaged in community outreach.
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Leadership Roles: DeAngelo has held various leadership roles within his teams. He was named a team captain during his senior year at West Virginia University and led the team to a podium finish at the 2016 Big 12 Championship.
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Community Outreach: In addition to his on-ice accomplishments, DeAngelo has been involved in community outreach work and fundraising opportunities. He manages the day-to-day operations of the West Virginia University wrestling program and coordinates community outreach efforts.
Education and Wrestling Background
DeAngelo's background extends beyond hockey, including his education and experience in wrestling.
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Education: DeAngelo earned his bachelor's degree in multiple disciplinary studies from West Virginia University in 2017, with minors in athletic coaching.
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Wrestling Background: Before transitioning to professional ice hockey, DeAngelo had a background in wrestling. He transferred to West Virginia University in the fall of 2014 and joined the WVU lineup at 141 pounds the following season.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, DeAngelo has received numerous awards and recognition for his performance on the ice.
- 29Awards and Recognition: DeAngelo has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career. He was awarded the Max Kaminsky Trophy for OHL defensemen and the CHL Defenceman of the Year award in 2015.
Impact on Teams and Legacy in Hockey
DeAngelo's impact on the teams he has played for and his legacy in hockey are significant, inspiring young players with his determination and resilience.
- 30Impact on Teams: DeAngelo has had a significant impact on the teams he has played for. He was part of the Rangers' top defensive pair with Marc Staal during the 2018–19 season and played a crucial role in the Hurricanes' lineup during his stint with the team.
Tony DeAngelo: A Rollercoaster Career
Tony DeAngelo's journey in professional ice hockey has been anything but dull. From his early days in minor hockey to becoming a notable NHL defenseman, DeAngelo's career is marked by both impressive achievements and significant challenges. His offensive prowess, evidenced by standout seasons like 2019-20, showcases his talent. Yet, behavioral issues and controversies have also defined his path, leading to multiple trades and even buyouts. Despite these setbacks, DeAngelo's resilience and skill keep him relevant in the hockey world. His return to the Carolina Hurricanes and brief stint in the KHL highlight his ongoing commitment to the sport. As a player who has faced both triumphs and trials, DeAngelo's story serves as a testament to the complexities of a professional athlete's life. His legacy, filled with both brilliance and controversy, continues to evolve.
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