Tony DeAngelo Bio
Anthony “Tony” DeAngelo is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, DeAngelo has built a reputation as an offensive-minded blueliner known for his playmaking ability and power-play proficiency. Throughout his NHL career, he has played for the Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) before returning to the Islanders organization in January 2025.
Early Life and Background
Tony DeAngelo was born on October 24, 1995, in Sewell, New Jersey, and grew up in Washington Township. As the youngest of four siblings, he began playing minor ice hockey at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell and quickly demonstrated a competitive nature that would define his career. In addition to his time with the Mercer Chiefs of the Atlantic Youth Hockey League, DeAngelo also dabbled in baseball and basketball during his youth. His paternal grandfather, Lou DeAngelo, played a significant role in his development, regularly driving him to and from the local ice rink throughout his early hockey years.
At age 14, DeAngelo left Washington Township to pursue junior ice hockey opportunities. In 2008, he represented the Philadelphia Flyers minor hockey affiliate at the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, gaining valuable international experience against older competition. His exceptional talent was evident early, as he possessed the skills and hockey IQ needed to compete well above his age group.
Path to Professional Hockey
At 14 years old, DeAngelo joined the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League (USHL), becoming the youngest player in league history. Facing college athletes and older junior players, he managed 15 points in 28 games during the 2010-11 USHL season. However, his campaign was cut short in January 2011 when he suffered a broken patella while blocking a slapshot against the Des Moines Buccaneers, ending his season prematurely.
Despite the injury, DeAngelo attracted attention from Ontario Hockey League (OHL) scouts. The Sarnia Sting selected him in the second round, 24th overall, of the 2011 OHL Priority Selection Draft. He chose the OHL path over potentially waiting for an invitation to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, believing the junior league offered a faster route to professional hockey. After a modest rookie season with 23 points in 68 games, DeAngelo broke out in his sophomore year with 58 points in 62 games.
Tony DeAngelo Career
Junior Career Highlights (2011-2015)
DeAngelo’s time in the OHL produced mixed results on and off the ice. While his offensive production improved significantly, he faced disciplinary issues during the 2013-14 season. He received multiple suspensions for violations of the league’s Harassment and Abuse/Diversity Policy, including an eight-game suspension in February 2014 and a two-game suspension for abuse of an official later that season. Despite these challenges, his draft-year performance was exceptional. He led all OHL defensemen in scoring with 71 points and was ranked 10th in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s 2014 midterm report.
In January 2015, the Sarnia Sting traded DeAngelo to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he reached his full potential. He dominated the 2014-15 OHL season, recording 89 points in 55 games and earning both the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman and the CHL Defenceman of the Year award. He became the fourth Greyhound in franchise history to win the Max Kaminsky Trophy, cementing his status as one of the top defensive prospects in junior hockey.
Arizona Coyotes (2016-2017)
The Tampa Bay Lightning selected DeAngelo 19th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, after training camp in 2015. On June 25, 2016, the Lightning traded DeAngelo to the Arizona Coyotes for the 37th overall draft pick. After beginning the season with the Tucson Roadrunners, DeAngelo received his NHL call-up and made his professional debut on November 8, 2016, scoring his first NHL goal against Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard in a 4-2 Coyotes victory.
His rookie NHL season showed promise but also reflected the character concerns that had followed him from junior hockey. On January 1, 2017, DeAngelo was suspended for three games for physically assaulting a referee during a game against the Calgary Flames. He finished his first NHL season with 5 goals and 9 assists in 39 games. On June 23, 2017, the Coyotes traded DeAngelo to the New York Rangers as part of a deal for Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta.
New York Rangers Breakthrough (2017-2021)
DeAngelo’s tenure with the Rangers began inconsistently. He started the 2017-18 season with the big club but was sent down to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack before receiving another call-up following Kevin Shattenkirk’s injury. A sprained ankle in March 2018 ended his season prematurely, limiting him to 32 games with 8 assists.
The 2018-19 season marked a turning point under first-year coach David Quinn. DeAngelo recorded 30 points and 26 assists, showing improved discretion and maturity despite leading the team with 77 penalty minutes. He credited Quinn’s communication style with helping him develop as a player, though he still faced occasional benchings for behavioral issues. The 2019-20 season became his career-defining year. DeAngelo scored 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists) in 68 games, ranking fourth among all NHL defensemen before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season. His standout performance came on January 9, 2020, when he recorded a hat trick against the New Jersey Devils, becoming the first Rangers defenseman to do so since 1982.
Despite his on-ice success, behavioral issues persisted. The Rangers signed DeAngelo to a two-year, $9.6 million extension in October 2020, but problems arose quickly. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on opening night led to a benching, and on January 31, 2021, reports emerged of a physical altercation with goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. General manager Jeff Gorton placed DeAngelo on waivers and later stated he had “played his last game for the Rangers.” The team bought out his contract in July 2021, making him the first player in NHL history to be bought out twice.
Carolina Hurricanes (2021-2022)
On July 28, 2021, the Carolina Hurricanes signed DeAngelo to a one-year, $1 million contract, a move that drew criticism from fans concerned about his reputation. However, DeAngelo silenced skeptics early, recording 8 points in his first 7 games and earning cheers at PNC Arena. On October 30, 2021, he recorded his first Gordie Howe hat trick with a goal, an assist, and a fight against the Chicago Blackhawks. His solid play made him a valuable asset for the Hurricanes.
Philadelphia Flyers (2022-2023)
The Hurricanes traded DeAngelo to the Philadelphia Flyers on July 8, 2022, in exchange for multiple draft picks. He signed a two-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia and became a regular contributor on their blueline. In March 2023, he received a two-game suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety for spearing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry. Following the 2022-23 season, rumors swirled about a potential return to Carolina, but on July 14, 2023, the Flyers placed him on waivers for a buyout, marking the second buyout of his career.
SKA Saint Petersburg (2023-2024)
After his second buyout, DeAngelo signed with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL on September 23, 2023. He provided immediate offensive production from the blueline and earned a selection to the 2024 KHL All-Star Game. However, his tenure ended abruptly on January 14, 2025. After being benched for the third period in a game and following three consecutive losses, DeAngelo and SKA mutually agreed to terminate his contract for family reasons. He finished his KHL stint with 6 goals and 32 points in 34 regular season games.
New York Islanders Return (2025-Present)
On January 24, 2025, DeAngelo signed with the New York Islanders for the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season. Returning to the organization whose market he had previously played in, he brought his offensive instincts and experience to the Islanders’ blueline. On July 1, 2025, the Islanders signed him to another one-year contract for the 2025-26 season, indicating their confidence in his ability to contribute to their defensive corps.
Playing Style and Strengths
DeAngelo is primarily recognized as an offensive-minded defenseman with what coaches have described as “world-class skill” as a playmaker. His greatest contributions come from his ability to create scoring opportunities, with the majority of his points coming via assists. During the 2019-20 season with the Rangers, he was involved in 61.7 percent of all points scored during his time on the ice. He excels on the power play, using his vision and passing ability to quarterback the man advantage. However, his defensive play has historically been an area of concern, which contributed to his trade from Tampa Bay and periodic healthy scratches throughout his career.
International Career
DeAngelo represented the United States internationally at the under-18 level, competing in the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament where he recorded three assists in the final game against Slovakia. The United States finished seventh in the tournament. In 2015, he was selected for the US World Junior Championship team, scoring goals against both Canada and Russia during the competition. The United States was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Russia, ending DeAngelo’s junior international career.
Tony DeAngelo Career Wins and Achievements
Throughout his junior and professional career, DeAngelo has accumulated notable individual accolades. His most significant achievement came during the 2014-15 OHL season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he dominated offensively from the blueline. His NHL career has featured consistent point production, with his 2019-20 season standing as his most prolific campaign.
OHL Highlights
DeAngelo’s junior career was highlighted by his exceptional 2014-15 season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He won both the Max Kaminsky Trophy, awarded to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman, and the Canadian Hockey League Defenceman of the Year award. His 89 points in 55 games led all OHL defensemen and established him as one of the top defensive prospects in recent memory. He became only the fourth Greyhound in franchise history to win the Max Kaminsky Trophy.
NHL Highlights
In the NHL, DeAngelo’s standout season came in 2019-20 with the New York Rangers, where he recorded 53 points including a hat trick against the New Jersey Devils on January 9, 2020. He became the first Rangers defenseman to score a hat trick since 1982. His 38 assists that season tied for third-highest on the team. His KHL stint in 2024-25 included a selection to the All-Star Game, demonstrating his continued ability to produce offense at a high level.
Tony DeAngelo Family and Personal Life
Family Background
DeAngelo was born in Sewell, New Jersey, as the youngest of four siblings. His family relocated to Washington Township shortly after his birth, and he grew up in the South Jersey area with strong ties to his extended family. His paternal grandfather, Lou DeAngelo, played a significant role in his hockey development, consistently driving young Tony to and from practices and games at Hollydell Ice Arena throughout his youth career.
Personal Life
Throughout his career, DeAngelo has maintained an active presence on social media, uncharacteristically open for a professional athlete. Unlike many of his teammates who avoided public engagement, he used Twitter and Instagram to interact directly with hockey fans and discuss the sport. He has participated in multiple Checking for Charity tournaments in South Jersey, raising money for organizations including the Wounded Warrior Project. His charitable efforts have included hosting events alongside fellow NHL players Adam Fox, Joel Farabee, and Oliver Wahlstrom.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season saw DeAngelo begin the year in the KHL with SKA Saint Petersburg before his mid-season termination in January 2025. After clearing waivers and securing his release from his KHL contract for family reasons, he returned to North America and signed with the New York Islanders for the remainder of the campaign. His signing provided the Islanders with an experienced offensive defenseman capable of contributing on the power play. The move brought him back to the New York metropolitan area, where he had previously played for the Rangers from 2017 to 2021.
Following his strong finish to the 2024-25 season with the Islanders, the organization demonstrated their continued interest in his services by signing him to another one-year deal for the 2025-26 season. This contract extension reflects the coaching staff’s belief in his ability to contribute to the team’s defensive core and power-play unit. As he enters his 11th professional season, DeAngelo continues to display the offensive instincts and playmaking ability that have defined his career, while working to maintain the consistency and discipline that have sometimes eluded him throughout his professional journey.