Signing DeAngelo on a one-year contract for the remainder of the 2024-25 season wasn’t a bargain for the team either, as the defenseman joined with a minimum salary of $775,000. Unfortunately, the fans didn’t seem stoked about the signing. However, now that the player has officially ‘cleared waivers’, the negativity surrounding the signing seems to have amplified. In fact, several fans have pledged to stay away from the stadium after DeAngelo’s inclusion.

“As long as he’s on the team I’m not coming to any games period,” one fan commented on the New York Islanders post. Yet why did Tony DeAngelo, an experienced defenseman who’s played for the likes of the Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and most recently became quite the draw in the KHL for SKA Saint Petersburg, inspire such a negative sentiment?

Well, that may have something to do with the offensive-minded defenseman’s conduct on and off the ice. DeAngelo isn’t a stranger to getting ejected for fighting during games or landing in controversies due to his opinions. From political takes to opinions on COVID-19, the player has had his fair share of troubles. Unfortunately, leaving the NHL for the KHL last year didn’t help the 29-year-old shed his reputation.

“I feel happy for all the non-season ticket holders. Wouldn’t pay s**t to watch him,” commented another fan. Meanwhile, another added to the sentiment, saying, “Embarrassing. Wish I didn’t have tickets for tonight.” So it seems that upon his return to the NHL, and clearing waivers, many fans are neither ready to forget nor forgive DeAngelo. Yet, despite many intending to boycott games, there’s a lot more to the bigger picture.

How will Tony DeAngelo’s inclusion impact the Islanders?

Fans continued to express their distaste toward the Islander’s latest signing. “Ew, is this their way of having less crowd in the stadium? Might work as well, good job,” commented another disgruntled fan. However, others were more worried about the impact DeAngelo may have on the team during matches. Yet, Islanders’ GM Lou Lamoriello may have signed the 29-year-old on for a very specific reason.

With offensive defenseman Noah Dobson out of the picture due to a lower-body injury, the New York Islanders were on the hunt for someone to fill the role. Tony DeAngelo fit the bill perfectly, and his recent form in the KHL may have also inspired confidence. The 29-year-old had 26 assists and 6 goals for St. Petersburg after just 36 games. However, some still didn’t feel confident.

“I’m sure he did clear (the waiver), no one wants him. He is nothing but problems,” commented one fan. However, the player’s first outing with the Islanders proved quite successful. Despite trailing 2-0 against DeAngelo’s former team, the Carolina Hurricanes, New York pulled off a thrilling comeback to win the game 3-2 in overtime.

In fact, Tony DeAngelo’s tussle with Andrei Svechnikov resulted in Brock Nelson getting the opening to score the winning goal. The win against the Canes also extended New York’s win streak to four games. Although Coach Roy was reluctant to speak about DeAngelo earlier, he was impressed. “Roy thought DeAngelo was ‘outstanding.'” Islanders’ reporter Stefen Rosner posted on X.

So while the fan sentiment surrounding Tony DeAngelo may not be positive, his inclusion in the team just yielded the Islanders the results they were looking for. What do you think DeAngelo’s long-term impact on the squad will be? Tell us in the comments.