According to reports, the New York Rangers will buyout the contract of defenceman Tony DeAngelo. This comes after the team officially put in motion the plans to buy him out earlier this month.
Hearing #NYR plan to officially begin buyout process for D Tony DeAngelo today.
Two year cap charge for #NYR at $383k and $883k. He will become UFA once buyout is executed after passing through waivers.@DFOHockey
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 23, 2021
Tony DeAngelo Bought Out By The Rangers
DeAngelo was originally acquired by Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round, 19th overall of the 2014 NHL Draft. The 25-year old had one brief season with the Arizona Coyotes before joining the Rangers. Over his five-year NHL career, DeAngelo has put up 24 goals and 82 assists for 106 career points in 206 career games.
DeAngelo only played six games last season because he was placed on leave in January for off-ice conduct. He scored zero goals and recorded one assist for one point. He also added four minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 62.2 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 15.5.
What This Means for the Future
For the Rangers, it clears a controversial air within the organization. DeAngelo was considered by some as a well-deserved top-six offensive defenceman. Off the ice, conversely, came multiple accusations and headaches for the Rangers. It seemed the New Jersey native did not play well with others. And had initially thought to have cost himself a valuable NHL contract. Despite this, DeAngelo’s buyout would add skill and experience to his new team.
The defender had made waves on social media and the last straw happened after just the start of the 2020-21 season. He got benched after a dismal performance against the New York Islanders. However, he was done after getting into an alleged confrontation with goalie Alexandar Georgiev.
By buying out DeAngelo the Rangers free up needed cap space for their many unrestricted and restricted free agents to solidify the roster for the coming season. However, they do lose a valuable defenceman, a component where the Rangers need some depth. But will be a worthwhile decision in the end.
