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 Islanders sign controversial Tony DeAngelo
Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

The New York Islanders announced today that they have signed free agent defensemen Tony DeAngelo to a one-year deal through the end of the season.

DeAngelo, 29, played just 31 games during last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, recording just 11 points.

DeAngelo has a checkered past, having been kicked off the New York Rangers after sucker punching goaltender Alexander Georgiev in the hallway.

During juniors, his junior league suspended DeAngelo twice for “homophobic, racist, and sexist language” and abuse of officials, per ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.

When trade to the Carolina Hurricanes, DeAngelo had to publicly declare himself as “not racist”

For the Islanders, the move telegraphs Noah Dobson is done for the season. There is zero other reason to bring in DeAngelo unless it’s the case. The move screams desperation from a team clinging in the playoff fight, entering tonight’s tilt 15th in the Eastern Conference.

The Islanders hope DeAngelo can help a flailing power play while not poisoning what’s been known as one of the best locker rooms in the NHL to this point.

DeAngelo will go on waivers today and must clear in order to play as early as tomorrow night against the Carolina Hurricanes.

NYI HOCKEY NOW WILL UPDATE THIS STORY AS MORE BECOMES AVAILABLE

This article first appeared on NYI Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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