New York Rangers: Is this DeAngelo’s last chance to play in the NHL?
At 22-years-old, New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo has yet to solidify himself as an NHL player, despite his high-upside talent. Can DeAngelo break the roster in David Quinn’s new system? If not, will DeAngelo’s NHL window close?
Tony DeAngelo’s place on the New York Rangers is shrouded in question marks after finishing his first season as a member of the organization. Will he break the roster out of training camp? Can he adapt his offense to the NHL level? Can he improve his defensive zone play?
The questions are abundant for DeAngelo. But, with the Rangers looking to progress young talent, this season is DeAngelo’s best chance to make an NHL impact. However, with a career of unexpected changes, his path moving forward is as uncertain as his past.
A career of change
Drafted at 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Lighting, DeAngelo entered the league as a highly touted prospect.
Hockey’s future had this to say about the right-handed defenseman:
"DeAngelo is a high skill skating defenseman who plays with an edge to his game. His discipline and defensive positional play have been causes for concern at times but he should become more consistent as he gains maturity and experience."
Despite his obvious offensive upside, teams seemed skeptical regarding his defensive abilities. However, the Lightning were eager to draft DeAngelo, and, according to the Tampa Bay Times, Director of Amateur Scouting Al Murray believed that DeAngelo was “a top-10 talent in the draft,” making him a no-brainer when the Lightning’s pick came around at 19.
Then, plans changed.
After spending a year in the OHL at the Saul Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the 2015-2016 season at the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, DeAngelo was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for the 37th overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft. The pick would haul in Libor Hajek, who was later a major piece in the Ryan McDonagh trade.
Traded for a second round pick just a couple of years following his own draft day, the Lightning had effectively given up on DeAngelo before he ever had a chance to make an impression in the NHL.
A bitter truth
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman said the move was “more about Libor Hajek than about Anthony DeAngelo,” the choice to move him made it apparent – DeAngelo was not valued in Tampa Bay.
Moving to Phoenix, DeAngelo had a new start and registered 16 points in 25 games for the Tucson Roadrunners. The Coyotes then called up DeAngelo and he played 39 games, tallying 16 points in his first NHL stint.
Then, plans changed, again.
Like the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Phoenix Coyotes decided that DeAngelo was worth more to another team and shipped him to the New York Rangers for the 7th overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft, Antti Raanta, and Derek Stepan.
DeAngelo was once again moved without a chance to truly prove his abilities.
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New beginnings
The New York Rangers mark the third team DeAngelo will be a part of in his young career. Yet, his first season with the team was somewhat of a disappointment. DeAngelo was unable to make an impact during training camp, despite being the NHL-ready piece of the trade that brought him in.
The Sewell, New Jersey native did not impress during his preseason opportunities. DeAngelo would register eight assists and zero goals through 32 games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. It would serve as another setback for the young defenseman.
While seeing power play time, it is without-question that DeAngelo’s leash was not long with former head coach Alain Vigneault. However, with new head coach David Quinn behind the bench, DeAngelo could finally find his way into an NHL role.
A fresh opportunity
Quinn has preached the desire to enforce an up-tempo, aggressive system for the Rangers, a system designed for puck-moving, agile defensemen like DeAngelo. This style, coupled with Quinn’s ability to develop young talent seems the perfect fit for DeAngelo to find his place. But if he doesn’t, his NHL window could be coming to a close.
Take a comparison: The New York Rangers drafted Dylan Mcilrath with the 10th overall pick in 2010. Mcilrath has played only 43 NHL games since he was drafted. Now, DeAngelo is undoubtedly a better skater and offensive force than Mcilrath. However, without finding a way onto an NHL roster, DeAngelo runs the risk of falling into the same position as Mcilrath – advancing in age without NHL experience.
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For DeAngelo, this might be his last chance. If he is unable to break the roster, he may begin to see his NHL window close rapidly.