By AIDAN JENSEN
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Tony DeAngelo is a controversial name that many Carolina Hurricanes fans came to appreciate during the 2021-2022 NHL season.
The trash-talking, feather-ruffling veteran defenseman enjoyed one of his best NHL campaigns to date, scoring 10 goals and dishing out 41 assists. This output tied DeAngelo for fourth on the Canes in total points and third in assists, something much-needed with the departure of All-Star Dougie Hamilton to the New Jersey Devils.
After Carolina’s season ended against the New York Rangers two years ago in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, there was widespread hope DeAngelo would remain in Raleigh.
He didn’t, but he might be returning to the Canes for their upcoming campaign.
The Philadelphia Flyers tried to trade DeAngelo to Carolina on Monday afternoon, but that was blocked by a clause in the NHL collective bargaining agreement.
This clause, Rule 50.5 of the NHL CBA, protects against a team trading a player, having another team pick up a percentage of their salary, then quickly reacquiring that player at a reduced cost.
Terms of this year’s original deal had DeAngelo to the Canes for a prospect, with Philadelphia retaining half of his 2-year, $10 million contract he signed last offseason.
When Philly originally obtained DeAngelo last year on July 7, they signed him in exchange for three draft picks. DeAngelo was a restricted free agent, meaning he could’ve rejected the Flyers’ offer.
The NHL is expected to discuss the blocked DeAngelo trade at Wednesday’s NHL draft in Nashville, Tenn.
While acquiring DeAngelo isn’t a massive priority, as Carolina has five of its nine defensemen from last year’s ECF run under contract, it would answer that question of finding a sixth and final consistent, productive defenseman.
Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns formed a deadly first-line defensive pairing (29 goals, 74 assists between regular season and postseason) – they’re both a lock to continue anchoring that area for the Canes in the fall. Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce formed a solid 1-2 punch on the second line with a combined 26 goals and 52 assists. Jalen Chatfield quickly became a fan favorite and carved out a roster spot, leading Carolina with a +23 plus/minus rating and showing his ability to lock down defenders from the third line.
Shayne Gostisbehere, who the Canes snagged from the Arizona Coyotes mid-season last year, could be that sixth guy.
He scored three times and dished out seven assists in 23 regular-season games played, but added just three assists in 15 playoff games. Carolina, however, may be looking for more production from one of their most consistent spots.
Having DeAngelo back on the Canes easily solves their answer to that sixth defenseman spot. Locking him down would mean Carolina can continue searching for that elusive, postseason point-producer.
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