The New York Rangers placed defenseman Anthony DeAngelo on waivers Sunday, the team announced.
Not on ice today: DeAngelo (waivers), Johnson (day-to-day, lower body), Blackwell (7-10 days, upper body) and Georgiev (maintenance).
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 31, 2021
The 25-year-old was a healthy scratch in a couple of games earlier this season and has one assist in six contests.
Rangers head coach David Quinn said waiving DeAngelo was an organizational decision. He did not comment on whether or not the move was related to the defenseman's performance.
#NYR coach David Quinn on waiving Tony DeAngelo: “Things happen in pro sports and that was a decision the organization made.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) January 31, 2021
“it’s part of the business. It’s a decision we made. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Asked if performance related,
“I don’t want to get into specifics”
DeAngelo has become a rather controversial figure. He came under fire in recent months for his support of former president Donald Trump on social media. After Twitter deactivated Trump's account, DeAngelo declared his preference for Parler, a now-shutdown social media platform used by right-wing extremists, conspiracy theorists and conservatives.
He also challenged a fan to a fight during a Twitter exchange, among other questionable social media actions.
DeAngelo's past goes beyond this season. He was suspended in the junior leagues and the NHL for abuse of an official and was suspended twice while playing in the Ontario Hockey League for using racial and homophobic slurs.
If he goes unclaimed on waivers, it's unclear what the Rangers' plans are for the defenseman.
In five NHL seasons, four with the Rangers and one with the Arizona Coyotes, DeAngelo has amassed 106 (24 goals, 82 assists) points in 206 games.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!