Tony DeAngelo furious after forcefully signing in the KHL
Photo credit: Ian Oland / RMNB
Tony DeAngelo wasn't afraid to let everyone know how he truly felt about having to be forced to sign in the KHL. Let's just say, he was not a happy camper.
Yesterday, it was announced that veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo signed a one-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, which marked a new point in his career.
DeAngelo leaves the NHL after an up-and-down year with the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring just three goals and 11 points in 31 games. He was a star just two seasons ago, however, recording 51 and 53 points in consecutive years in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The talent is certainly there offensively, but to this day, DeAngelo has struggled to fit in with his teammates, which has prevented him from settling into an National Hockey League roster.
DeAngelo says he "considered every option", including signing a PTO contract in the NHL: "Any option was on the table, but as I said, the best option for me was this one."
DeAngelo had his say for the first time since signing in Russia, showing frustration, and this was what he had felt during what he termed as the unwillingness of the NHL teams to give him a second chance. His comments reflected disappointment with how things unfolded in the league.
"I waited through most of the summer," DeAngelo said in a one-on-one interview with RG.org. "It took a bit long. It was back and forth. With a bunch of different things, the negotiation process wasn't where we wanted to go. I had a great opportunity to come here and play in a great League with great players. It was the best situation for myself at this time."
Reports have the defenseman signing a fairly innocuous KHL deal, complete with a low base salary and topped up with incentives for performance. Even across the water, it would appear teams aren't willing to go all-in on the controversial defender.
A return to the NHL? That is an unknown. He has the talent to get back, but it is likely dependent on whether he proves maturity on and off the ice, and if any team would take another chance with him.
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24 SEPTEMBRE | 121 ANSWERS Tony DeAngelo furious after forcefully signing in the KHL Will Tony DeAngelo ever return to the NHL again? | ||
| Yes | 30 | 24.8 % |
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