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Free Agent Tony DeAngelo Signs with Metropolitan Division Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 25, 2025 6:15 AM ET

Tony DeAngelo has returned to the NHL after his contract with Russian team and KHL's powerhouse SKA St. Petersburg was terminated earlier this month.

DeAngelo is signing a league-minimum deal with the New York Islanders for the rest of the 2024–25 season, the franchise announced on Friday.

The 29-year-old defenseman, who began the season with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL, parted ways with the Russian club on Jan. 14, citing family considerations.

“This decision was not easy, but now it is important for me to be closer to home,” DeAngelo said in a statement, per House of Hockey's translation. “It is very sad to leave such a city and such a team in St. Petersburg. They really love hockey, appreciate each player, and do everything to ensure that the club achieves high results.”

#Isles News: The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Tony DeAngelo to a one-year contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. pic.twitter.com/IeL4pBylzi
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 24, 2025

DeAngelo was the KHL’s top-scoring defenseman before his departure, racking up 32 points in 34 games, including scoring six goals. Now back in North America, the New Jersey native finds himself just a short distance from home on Long Island.

As a player returning midseason from an international league, DeAngelo had to clear waivers before he could join the Islanders lineup.

The Islanders' decision to bring DeAngelo back to American soil could be linked to defenseman Noah Dobson's injury, with the blueliner sidelined week-to-week due to a lower-body issue.

DeAngelo, known for his offensive prowess, makes his NHL comeback with 210 points across 371 NHL games under his belt having played for multiple teams during his career.

The Islanders mark DeAngelo’s fifth NHL stop, following stints with the Arizona Coyotes, the Tampa Bay Lightning, the New York Rangers, the Philadelphia Flyers, and most recently the Carolina Hurricanes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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