Tony DeAngelo comments on report he's leaving the NHL

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Josh Tupper
August 3, 2024 (9:57 PM)

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Tony DeAngelo Rumored to Move Overseas, Denies KHL Deal Speculation

Unrestricted free agent defenseman Tony DeAngelo might be considering a move overseas as the NHL free agency period continues without a new contract offer. As the NHL's free agent market has been open for over a month, former first-round pick Tony DeAngelo has yet to secure a deal with any team in North America.

DeAngelo became an unrestricted free agent after the Carolina Hurricanes decided not to re-sign him following a disappointing 2023-24 season. During that season, DeAngelo's production dropped by 26% compared to his previous year with the Philadelphia Flyers, making him less appealing to NHL teams.

With no concrete offers from the NHL, DeAngelo is reportedly exploring options to play overseas, potentially in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia. According to a report from **Hockey News Hub** on X, there are rumors that Tony DeAngelo might join SKA St. Petersburg for the upcoming season. However, this information is still speculative, as no official deal has been confirmed.

"Hearing Tony DeAngelo to join SKA in the KHL. Nothing concrete yet," Hockey News Hub said.

If DeAngelo does join SKA St. Petersburg, he will be adding to a roster already stacked with talent, including players like Evgeny Kuznetsov, Ivan Demidov, Alexander Nikishin, Mikhail Grigorenko, Arseni Gritsyuk, Sergei Plotnikov, Sergei Tolchinsky, and Borna Rendulic. His offensive skills could prove valuable to the team, potentially aiding his career revival.

DeAngelo, who is 28 years old, appeared in 31 games for the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2023-24 regular season, registering 11 points (three goals, eight assists), 24 penalty minutes, and a minus-seven rating. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he added two assists in nine games before the Hurricanes were eliminated by the New York Rangers in the second round.

Despite the ongoing rumors, DeAngelo has addressed the speculation himself. According to Puck Empire, who reached out to DeAngelo directly, he has denied the rumors of his move to the KHL.

As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see if SKA St. Petersburg or any other team in the KHL makes a formal offer to DeAngelo. For DeAngelo, playing in the KHL could provide an opportunity to regain his form and potentially attract interest from NHL teams in the future. However, for now, the rumors remain unconfirmed, and DeAngelo's next move is still up in the air.