Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Tony DeAngelo, the former defenseman for the New York Rangers, experienced a rocky conclusion to his four years with the team, turning him into a favorite target of the Blueshirts Faithful. His appearances at Madison Square Garden, particularly during the previous season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Carolina Hurricanes, are often greeted with boos and chants filled with expletives.
During a recent appearance on the Morning Cuppa Hockey program, DeAngelo opened up about the turbulent end to his time with the Rangers in the 2020-21 season, aiming to clarify his side of the story.
DeAngelo is evidently still frustrated with how the Rangers addressed a postgame fight he had with goalie Alexandar Georgiev. However, the 28-year-old acknowledges his own part in the events that unfolded.
“Looking back, it was a situation where if I had handled things properly from the very start, from the beginning of training camp, I believe none of this would have occurred. But it did,” DeAngelo reflected. “The only thing I truly regret is how out of hand everything got afterward — that we weren’t able to manage it sooner, which might have prevented the escalation.”
to the truth.”
The event occurred on January 30, 2021, during a season that was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. A miscommunication between DeAngelo and Georgiev regarding puck play took place in overtime against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shortly afterward, Sidney Crosby netted the game-winning goal, leading to a 5-4 loss for the Rangers. As they returned to the dressing room at The Garden, tensions flared between DeAngelo and Georgiev, escalating into a physical confrontation.
“Clearly, there was a lot more going on than just the incident with ‘Georgie’ at the end of the year,” DeAngelo stated. “If you rewind a bit, that was during the election and the presidential transition. I found myself in some trouble over a few controversial tweets that upset certain people, including season ticket holders, which I completely understand.”
This was preceded by a season-opening defeat against the New York Islanders, during which DeAngelo received what he considered a weak holding penalty on Mat Barzal. In frustration, he slammed the door of the penalty box, earning himself an additional two minutes and drawing the ire of coach David Quinn.
“‘Quinnie’ and I had differing opinions on that call. I ended up sitting out the next two games, so the start of the season was rocky, unfortunately due to my actions,” DeAngelo conceded. “I wasn’t managing things well at that time.”
Though DeAngelo returned to the lineup, his altercation with Georgiev two weeks later proved to be the tipping point. After being placed on waivers, he played only six games for the Rangers following the incident with the Penguins, going unclaimed thereafter.
“Looking back at the Georgie incident, it was probably the least concerning event of all, but it seemed to be the last straw.”
DeAngelo provided his viewpoint on the altercation that led to his release.
“It was a challenging game. Both he and I had our struggles. As we were heading down the tunnel against Pittsburgh, I shouted at Georgie, ‘Make a bleeping save.’ So if I hadn’t yelled, Georgie wouldn’t have reacted. That’s just the reality. I initiated it, and Georgie, feeling heated after the game, retaliated with a headbutt.”
DeAngelo reacted by smacking Georgiev’s mask with his stick, leading to a quick intervention that broke up the scuffle.
“I sensed something would happen. Honestly, I thought I was going to get traded,” DeAngelo admitted. “Given how rocky the season began—which was largely my fault—it didn’t entirely surprise me that I’d be out of there.”
He mentioned that he has crossed paths with Georgiev since then, noting that they are on good terms, although they are not particularly close friends.
“I never held [Georgiev] responsible for that incident; it was just a moment of frustration. What I do hold some blame for is how things shifted afterward concerning how the two of us were treated,” DeAngelo elaborated. He pointed out that Georgiev remained with the Rangers until the end of the 2021-22 season before moving to the Colorado Avalanche. “However, I recognized that I had set myself up in a difficult situation. That incident was honestly the least of my concerns, but it became the most public issue that erupted.”
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Former Rangers defenseman addresses incident with K’Andre Miller
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Georgiev wasn’t the only player linked to tension involving DeAngelo, who also spoke about claims of discord between himself and rookie defenseman K’Andre Miller during the 2020-21 season.
“What upset me the most were the reports regarding K’Andre — that idiot who wrote that story, it was absolutely ridiculous,” DeAngelo remarked, referring to Adam Herman from Bleacher Report and the aftermath of his incident with Georgiev. “The problem was that those stories gained so much traction, receiving numerous clicks and views, leading people to accept them as truth. That’s simply the influence of the media.”
Herman had quoted an unnamed source claiming DeAngelo had taken the puck from Miller’s first NHL goal and raised concerns about DeAngelo’s conduct towards his Black teammate.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, along with all relevant parties, promptly denied the allegations — yet the story continued to permeate the already intricate narrative surrounding DeAngelo.
“It just spiraled completely out of control,” DeAngelo stated. “Everyone was eager for something dramatic, and I guess we provided it. Those stories bothering me were so outrageous, almost spitefully fabricated. The ridiculous part is that it significantly affected my situation that year, and I unfortunately went unclaimed.”
He also mentioned that he reached out to Miller once the report emerged, highlighting that they had a positive conversation and could ultimately lay the issue to rest.
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DeAngelo’s abrupt departure coupled with reports of turmoil within the locker room have made him a frequent target for Blueshirts fans, especially evident during last spring’s second round of the playoffs.
“I find the fans’ passion quite amusing. I was just as passionate when I was younger,” DeAngelo remarked with a chuckle. “Despite what Rangers fans may believe, I actually think it benefits my game. I relish it. It’s fantastic.”
Once, DeAngelo enjoyed a successful and celebrated stint with the Rangers, a stark contrast to how things later transpired. Selected 19th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, he joined the Rangers from the Arizona Coyotes in a trade during the summer of 2017, which saw Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta leave New York in exchange for a first-round pick heading back East.
After making his debut with the Rangers that fall, DeAngelo truly came into his own two seasons later, concluding the 2019-20 season with 15 goals and 53 points in 68 games, placing 12th in Norris Trophy voting. This performance secured him a two-year extension worth $9.6 million, after he finished fourth in points among NHL defensemen.
However, the Rangers compensated him for only playing six games in the 2020-21 season before buying out the remainder of his contract. Subsequently, DeAngelo recorded 51 points (10 goals, 41 assists) with the Hurricanes in 2021-22 and scored 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) with the Philadelphia Flyers the next season. Last season, he returned to Carolina as their seventh defenseman, playing a more significant role after Brett Pesce was sidelined due to an injury in the playoffs.
Currently, he is still on the lookout for an opportunity in the NHL, with recent rumors suggesting he may sign with a KHL team.
It’s worth noting that DeAngelo’s behavioral issues in New York were not merely one-off incidents.
Reports about his conduct trace back to 2014 when he faced multiple suspensions in the OHL for confrontations with referees and teammates. Additionally, he was suspended for three games during his rookie season for assaulting a referee while playing for the Coyotes. Beyond these on-ice incidents, DeAngelo has gained notoriety for some of his political comments.
Nonetheless, he appears untroubled by his public image and seems to have the support of teammates, including Adam Fox and Pesce, who reportedly voiced their backing for him during interviews.
“I’ve dealt with a few challenging years, but one thing I always take pride in is being a good teammate,” DeAngelo reflected. “Without a doubt, there have been times I’ve been tough on my teammates — 100 percent — but whether on or off the ice, when they needed support, I’ve always been there for them. Ultimately, the relationships I have with my teammates matter far more to me than what others may say about me.”
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Tony DeAngelo Reflects on Turbulent Time with the New York Rangers: Regrets and Revelations
Background on Tony DeAngelo
Tony DeAngelo, born on October 24, 1995, in Sewell, New Jersey, has had a career filled with ups and downs. A talented defenseman known for his offensive prowess, DeAngelo was drafted in the first round, 19th by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 180 pounds, he has made a name for himself in the NHL, but his journey has not been without controversy.
DeAngelo’s Time with the New York Rangers
DeAngelo joined the New York Rangers in 2017, and his tenure with the team was marked by significant highs and lows. Known for his strong offensive contributions, he also faced challenges that overshadowed his performance on the ice.
Performance Highlights
- Offensive Skills: DeAngelo consistently ranked among the top defensemen in points, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively.
- Power Play Specialist: His vision and passing skills made him a key player during power plays, often quarterbacking the Rangers’ man-advantage units.
- Career Year: In the 2019-2020 season, DeAngelo achieved a career-high of 53 points, cementing his status as a vital component of the Rangers’ lineup.
Controversies and Challenges
- Off-Ice Incidents: DeAngelo’s career has been marred by off-ice issues, including controversies over social media behavior and confrontational incidents.
- Conflict with Teammates: Reports indicated tensions with teammates and coaching staff, culminating in a notable incident during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in February 2021.
- Waivers and Departure: After the incident, DeAngelo was placed on waivers and subsequently bought out by the Rangers, marking a controversial end to his stint with the team.
Regrets and Revelations
In a recent interview, Tony DeAngelo opened up about his experiences with the Rangers, reflecting on both his regrets and the lessons learned during his tumultuous time in New York.
Key Takeaways from DeAngelo’s Reflection
- Understanding Impact: DeAngelo acknowledged that his actions off the ice had repercussions not only for himself but also for his teammates and the organization.
- Personal Growth: He expressed a desire to grow from his experiences, indicating that he has taken time to reflect on his behavior and how it affected his career.
- Commitment to Improvement: DeAngelo emphasized his commitment to becoming a better player and teammate, underscoring the importance of accountability in professional sports.
Lessons Learned
Every athlete’s career is filled with lessons, and DeAngelo’s journey with the Rangers is no exception. Here are some key lessons that can be drawn from his experiences:
1. The Importance of Professionalism
Maintaining a professional demeanor both on and off the ice is essential for success in the NHL. DeAngelo’s experiences highlight how personal conduct can affect team dynamics and an athlete’s career trajectory.
2. Building Relationships Matter
Fostering positive relationships with teammates and coaches can significantly impact an athlete’s performance and reputation. DeAngelo recognizes that collaboration and communication are vital in a team sport.
3. Learning from Mistakes
DeAngelo’s reflections serve as a reminder that mistakes can be valuable learning experiences. His willingness to acknowledge his missteps and strive for improvement is a testament to his character.
Benefits of Self-Reflection in Sports
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for athletes, offering numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced Performance: Athletes who engage in self-reflection often identify areas for improvement, leading to better performance.
- Stronger Mental Resilience: Reflecting on challenges and setbacks builds mental toughness, essential for navigating the pressures of professional sports.
- Personal Growth: Self-reflection promotes personal development, allowing athletes to evolve both on and off the field.
Case Study: The Impact of Controversy on a Player’s Career
Let’s examine a case study on how controversy can shape a player’s career, using Tony DeAngelo as an example.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Tony DeAngelo |
| Team | New York Rangers |
| Duration | 2017-2021 |
| Key Incident | Confrontation with teammates |
| Outcome | Waived and bought out |
| Lessons Learned | Importance of professionalism and teamwork |
First-Hand Experiences from DeAngelo
In his own words, DeAngelo has shared insights into the challenges he faced during his time with the Rangers:
“There were times when I let my emotions get the best of me. Looking back, I realize that I could have handled situations differently. My focus now is on being a better player and person.” – Tony DeAngelo
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
Despite the challenges faced during his tenure with the Rangers, DeAngelo remains determined to carve out a successful NHL career. His recent reflections indicate a newfound maturity and commitment to his craft.
Goals for Future Seasons
- Improving Team Chemistry: DeAngelo aims to build strong relationships with new teammates, learning from past experiences.
- Focusing on Consistency: He seeks to provide consistent offensive contributions while enhancing his defensive game.
- Giving Back: DeAngelo has expressed a desire to mentor younger players, helping them navigate the complexities of professional hockey.
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