Controversial defenseman Tony DeAngelo outraged over forced KHL signing
Photo credit: HTR
Tony DeAngelo didn't hesitate to express his genuine feelings to everyone about being forced to sign with the KHL. To put it mildly, he was not having a good time.
In case you missed the news, it was revealed yesterday that veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo had reached a new milestone in his career by agreeing to a one-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.
This follows a somewhat difficult season in which he played in 31 games for the Carolina Hurricanes, only managing three goals and eleven points. Although he had back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021 with 51 and 53 points respectively, he's been far from incredible point production seasons.
In the first interview he's given since going overseas, DeAngelo whines about his reasons for signing in Russia and why he believes no NHL team was willing to take a chance on him.
«I waited through most of the summer,» DeAngelo said in a one-on-one interview with RG.org. «It took a bit long. It was back and forth. With a bunch of different things, the negotiation process wasn't where we wanted to go. I had a great opportunity to come here and play in a great League with great players. It was the best situation for myself at this time.»
For the first time since signing in Russia, DeAngelo voiced his opinions, expressing his frustration at what he saw as the NHL teams' lack of willingness to give him another chance. His remarks were indicative of his dissatisfaction with the way the league played out.
DeAngelo says he "considered every option", including signing a PTO contract in the NHL: "Any option was on the table, but as I said, the best option for me was this one."
In other words, ''I had options, but no good options so now I'm in Russia.''
In other words, ''I had options, but no good options so now I'm in Russia.''
A comeback return to the NHL?
«I guess, we'll see. I'm not sure. That question is not for me but for GMs and coaches in the NHL. Now, I'm just focused on this season.»
According to reports, the defenseman has agreed to a relatively benign KHL contract that includes a modest base salary plus performance-based bonuses. It seems that teams are unwilling to fully commit to the contentious defender, even on the other side of the ocean.
| POLL | ||
24 SEPTEMBRE | 60 ANSWERS Controversial defenseman Tony DeAngelo outraged over forced KHL signing Are you happy that Tony Deangelo is no longer playing in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 71.7 % |
| No | 17 | 28.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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