The Carolina Hurricanes reacquired defenseman Tony DeAngelo, signing him to a one-year, $1.675 million contract on Monday following his buyout from the Philadelphia Flyers.
The 27-year old blueliner had 11 goals and 42 points last season with the Flyers. He also had 10 goal and 51 point with the Hurricanes two seasons prior and held the team record for single season points by a defenseman until Brent Burns broke it last year.
DeAngleo spoke with the media via Zoom Tuesday afternoon. Here's what he had to say:
On what happened in Philadelphia: Obviously the coach and I wound up not fitting together. I guess that’d be the main reason for leaving the team and becoming a free agent again. At the same time, I also enjoyed playing in Philly if that makes any sense. It was a dream of mine from when I was a little kid to play for the Flyers. To be able to do that and spend the year there and be in Philly and get to know the organization, the people that work there, it was great. It didn’t work out and as soon as it was apparent it wasn’t working out, we kind of had an idea that if I was going to go anywhere it would be back to Carolina if possible. So I’m glad it worked out that way.
On why he had a good fit in Carolina: I think the way the team plays kind of fit my style more so than I ever had had before. A lot of things will be different this time around, I’m sure, but just the way the team is set up and the way I was able to come in after a year off and play. I’d probably also say coaching more than anything. The way I got along with Rod was more than I got along with any other coach that I’ve played for in my career, but that’s the kind of guy he is. I feel like we were just kind of a good match for one another, so I’m looking forward to getting back to that kind of situation.
On what he anticipates his role being: [The blueline] is definitely crowded, but that’s a good thing. I think you look at the guys they had last year… Once my season was done, I watched the whole playoffs. I watched Burns and [Slavin] and obviously everybody knows about Brady [Skjei] and Pesce and how good they’ve been together the last couple of years and now you bring me back and then you have Orlov and [Chatfield] played really well for them last year, so it’s never a bad thing to have too many good players, but as far as what’s going to go on there and how things are going to shake out, that’s up to the players first off in camp, but the coaches will decide after that. I have no idea. Just hoping to come in and do whatever I can to help the team take the next step.
On the controversies surrounding him quieting down: I’ve been bought out again which is disappointing, but there were different factors that kind of led to that a little bit, but as far as controversy, I feel like that’s all in the past. I guess there was some controversy this year - if you want to call it that - just not being on the same page as the head coach, but there were no personal feelings. Nothing personal happened or nothing big happened to lead to the thing, it was just kind of a mutual disagreement on a bunch of different things that I won’t get into. But it’s nice to be ready to just come back and talk hockey. Last time a year ago, it was more so about all kinds of other stuff that maybe was taken out of context, but I was glad to answer those questions for you guys. This year, it’s about coming in and how I can help the Hurricanes take the next step to where we all want to be.
On his relationship with Brind’Amour: For me - and I guess everyone has their own opinions on things - but I like his honesty and I liked the way he motivates the players and kind of understands everybody has different personalities and every guy just wants to play. It’s not all trying to get it his way. The respect that guys have for him, including myself, when he speaks in the locker room, how he’s able to grab a group and kind of get you to want to go to bat for him every night. There’s something new every night to get you going. I remember the year I was there, we were sitting at 50 wins at game 75 or whatever it was and he still had a way to get you fired up for game 77 even though you’re looking forward to two weeks later with the playoffs. So it was something special that he brings to the table. I’m sure all guys kind of agree with that, but he lets you play, lets you be who you are and I think that’s important for myself especially. He also implements a style that also fits the way that I like. I think that’s why we get along so well. He played a hard-nosed, similar style to me. Wasn’t a huge guy, but bigger and stronger than I am probably, but he played that kind of way too. The way we like to play hockey. It all goes together.
On Carolina bringing out the best in him as a player: I actually thought the best defensively I’ve played was in Carolina. I thought the system was a little better for me to be able to attack guys and use my speed more than playing in a below-the-dots system or whatever you want to call it. There’s different ways that things are played, but offensively my game’s still been coming along. Last year, my points took a dip back, but I made a lot of plays. Wasn’t as opportunistic as the year before and didn’t score as much, power play wasn’t as good, all that kind stuff, but offensively I’ve got no worries. I still want to improve defensively though. That’s been a thing for years now, but there’s still more and more levels to get to.
On his initial trade rumors: I had a pretty good feeling that they were going to move on from me in Philly. It was a good relationship with Danny Briere and Keith Jones. Really good people and they’re going to turn this Flyers organization around at some point here, but I had no idea. I first saw the trade to Carolina from Elliotte Friedman. So nobody was calling me or anything. I don’t know what happened there and it’s none of my business really as far as the team and the league goes, but it was just the waiting game for me and once it went the buyout way, I became a free agent and started talking to teams again, but like I said, we had a pretty good idea of where we wanted to go. There were a few other things that were going on, but ultimately decided to come back to Raleigh.
On playing with Brendan Lemieux: We’re just following each other around. He comes to New York, then he comes to Philly, now I’ve followed him back to Raleigh. I think that the fans will really like what [Lemieux] brings to the table. He’s an energy guy, he’s a hard-nosed player, doesn’t take any crap from anybody, sticks up for his teammates. He’s a powerful skater, finishes checks and he’s a good guy. Cares about his teammates, cares about the game and stuff. I think it’s kind of a necessity for the team the way he plays so I’m looking forward to watching him again in camp and seeing how it goes.
On the divisive opinions on him: I could care less what some people think. I had a great relationship with the Hurricanes fans which wound up being awesome, but I do remember that the first game I played in Carolina there was some pretty loud boos when I got announced on opening night. It just finds a way. Once they get to know you... I said that last year and it kind of became true. Once they get to know you and watch you as a player and see you on the ice - obviously they see us more on the ice than off the ice - but they kind of make their own assumptions on you. Everybody seems to have opinions one way or the other. Especially with the way my career has gone, people seem to go one way or the other, but everybody is allowed to have opinions. They can say what they want, but I was happy in Carolina and one of the big reasons for wanting to come back was the way the fans embraced me there and the team and organization. It was nice and it will be nice to be back.