The Edmonton Oilers have engaged in talks of enhancing their roster by adding a seasoned right-handed defenseman, as they look to compensate for the losses of Cody Ceci and Philip Broberg earlier in the month. According to hockey insider Frank Seravalli, names such as Tyson Barrie, Justin Schultz, and Kevin Shattenkirk have been on the Oilers’ radar. A newer suggestion made by Seravalli during his guest appearance on the "Oilers Now" radio show hosted by Bob Stauffer involves potentially acquiring Tony DeAngelo, a player who, despite being less mentioned, may offer significant upside.
Seravalli believes DeAngelo, at just 28 years old, could provide impactful performance comparable to a 50-point defenseman. "He’s ready, willing, and able to play for close to the league minimum and would absolutely love to be in Edmonton,” Seravalli added during the segment.
In the 2023-24 NHL season, DeAngelo notably played for the Carolina Hurricanes, tallying three goals and 11 points across 31 games and adding an average of 14:20 minutes per game on the ice. Even during the postseason, DeAngelo managed to contribute with two assists over nine games.
DeAngelo’s career, however, has not been without its challenges. Known for stirring up controversy, particularly during his tenure with the New York Rangers which ended following a physical altercation with teammate Alexandar Georgiev, and for his vocal conservative views on social media, DeAngelo has been a polarizing figure. His time with the Philadelphia Flyers also concluded abruptly, resulting in a buyout after reported clashes with head coach John Tortorella, marking him as the first player in NHL history to be bought out multiple times.
Despite these concerns, the Oilers have shown a pattern of not shying away from players with complicated pasts when their skills could help on the ice. This approach has been evident in their previous decisions to enlist players like Evander Kane and Corey Perry, as well as extending opportunities to controversial figures such as Jake Virtanen during training camps.
DeAngelo’s career stats are notable, with 48 goals and 210 points in 371 games, alongside 13 playoff points in 26 games, hinting at his potential value to the Oilers. According to Seravalli, despite past controversies, DeAngelo is well-regarded among his teammates.
“Have there been skirmishes? Yes," said Seravalli.
"But when building a team focused on winning the Stanley Cup, you need more than just community heroes; you need performers, and DeAngelo could be a key piece in that puzzle.”
The Oilers’ strategy leans towards assembling a team balanced with character and competitiveness, aiming to clinch a Stanley Cup win without compromising team dynamics. How they navigate the addition of Tony DeAngelo, should they decide to proceed, will be telling of their commitment to this goal.
