Anthony DeAngelo
In the case of Anthony DeAngelo, the Rangers have a defensive weapon unlike any other on the roster. The NHL has progressively become a league focused on skill and possession, and DeAngelo grades high in both.
Alain Vigneault’s deployment of the young defenseman is not the root of the issue here. When DeAngelo is in the lineup, he has seen nearly all of his ice-time in the offensive zone. However, his ability to stay on the ice has been a different story.
As advertised, DeAngelo has had his fair share of defensive miscues in the name of offensive creativity. In a very familiar manner for young players, Vigneault has banished the 21-year old to the press-box. In his place, the team has dressed both Nick Holden and Steven Kampfer.
While it seems as though Vigneault may have a grasp on DeAngelo’s strengths, he still opts to focus on his shortcomings. In order for Anthony DeAngelo to find his footing at the NHL level, he must be in the lineup on a nightly basis.
With Vigneault’s track record of refusing to trust young players, there is little evidence to believe he will be the coach to accept DeAngelo for the player he is.