After it was learned defenseman Tony DeAngelo had cleared waivers and gone unclaimed by another NHL franchise, there was some curiosity around what the New York Rangers might do with a player who has been extremely controversial and unproductive this season. A talented enough player to earn another contract, it could be that the team was ready to try and rid themselves of the drama that came with it.
Related: Rangers Reach Breaking Point, Place DeAngelo on Waivers
The answer seems to be to try and get rid of him.
At a press conference Monday evening, Rangers GM Jeff Gorton made it clear that DeAngelo “has played his last game for the Rangers.” As Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press relays on Twitter, Gorton felt that DeAngelo “wasn’t able to move on” from being a healthy scratch earlier in the season. The organization had decided that if anything else happened with the player that would raise a red flag, that would be it. Saturday’s incident certainly fell under the classification of red flag worthy.
The Rangers have decided that it’s best DeAngelo not be around the team, even though he’s now technically part of the taxi squad. The team will search for a trade but it doesn’t appear the Rangers are looking to void his contract.
What Other Team Will Come Calling?
Saturday’s skirmish with goaltender Alexander Georgiev was just the cherry on top of an already troubling situation surrounding the player. Whether or not another team is interested in taking on what could be a future experiment gone bad is an entirely other story.
The Rangers will have to dump him for nothing at this point and even then, another franchise might not be interested. DeAngelo, 25, signed a two-year, $9.6 million contract just a few months ago after his breakout 15-goal, 53-point 2019-20 season.
Next: Why McDavid, Draisaitl May Each Reach 100 Points During 2020-21 NHL Season
Pingback: Trade Coming?: "A Ton of Interest" in Rangers' D Tony DeAngelo - SPORTWN