New York Rangers defenseman Anthony DeAngelo was acquired from the Arizona Coyotes in the Derek Stepan and Antti Raana trade.
Anthony DeAngelo and a first round draft pick (7th overall) were traded for C Derek Stepan and G Antti Raanta. The 21-year-old defenseman, originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2014 NHL draft, has now been traded two times in his career even though he has only played in 39 NHL games.
DeAngelo has had quite a start to his career since he was drafted. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and the physicality to back it up no matter who he is skating against.
In 2014, while playing for the Sarina Sting of the OHL, he was suspended twice, once for abusing an official and eight games for making an inappropriate statement to a teammate as was announced on the Ontario Hockey League website. He was also suspended in 2015 for one game for a verbal altercation with an official.
After playing 29 games with the Sting in the 2014-15 season he was traded to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL. Here is where his scoring touch came alive as he scored 25 goals with 36 assists for 51 points and a +33 in 26 games for the Greyhounds.
In that year’s playoffs, he registered 16 assists in 13 games. In 2015-2016 he found himself with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL where he registered 6 goals and 37 assists for 43 points and -18. During that season he was also scratched eight times based mainly on his attitude and undisciplined play. When the season concluded he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes.
DeAngelo played 39 games last season for the Arizona Coyotes but again was suspended three games for arguing with and trying to get away from a linesman in a game aginst the Calgary Flames. He also received a game misconduct for a boarding major while playing the St Louis Blues. He scored 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points and -13 and had 37 penalty minutes. His average time on ice was 17:06.
The Rangers Got Their Man
When Rangers GM Jeff Gorton was asked about Deangelo’s past suspensions and temper on SNY, he stated, “We were asking for him, it’s not like he was being thrown at us. He was the player we wanted and there are some questions about Anthony and his past and we looked into every scenario with this, talked to a lot of people, have dome a lot of work regarding him and his maturity. We are really comfortable with our player development and coaching staff and our team here that we can really help him and get the most out of him”.
It is apparent that his past transgression was discussed with coaches and management prior to making the trade. He was a young kid who has talent, but can he and the Rangers organization help him control his questionable attitude on the ice.
The Rangers were in need of a defenseman, with the buyout of Dan Girardi and the uncertainty of re-signing Brendan Smith, it’s easy to see why GM Gorton and the Rangers wanted DeAngelo. New York needs to find out where he fits on the ice but also within the locker room.
DeAngelo is in the second year of his entry-level contract. His cap hit is $863,333 and he will be a Restricted Free Agent after the 2018-19 season.
With the offensive skillset that DeAngelo has, the Rangers would like to use him on the Powerplay, which needs to be improved. The Defense is changing dramatically from last season.
Currently, the Rangers have Ryan McDonaugh, Brady Skjei, Nick Holden, Marc Staal and DeAngelo. Kevin Klein is still considering retirement and Brendan Smith will be a free agent come July 1. Jeff Gorton is currently working on a deal to bring Smith back into the fold. The Rangers top priority move will be attempting to sign Kevin Shattenkirk which would add to the depth of the team’s defense.
Anthony Deangelo has the potential to flourish into a star with the Blueshirts. The big question will be with all of the pressure that comes with wearing the red, white and blue on Broadway can he keep that temper in check.
There is a difference between being aggressive and being a selfish player that puts himself first and the team second. Only time will tell if this 21-year-old can handle the pressure that comes with playing at Madison Square Garden.