NY Islanders bring back Tony DeAngelo on one-year deal ahead of free agency

A year ago, Tony DeAngelo was preparing to play in the KHL, unsure if or when his next opportunity to play in the NHL would arise. Now, hours before the start of NHL free agency, the New York Islanders decided to bring him back in a move that made too much sense for both sides to pass up. GM Mathieu Darche elected to re-sign DeAngelo to a one-year, $1.75 million deal, as first reported by NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

The signing reinforces the Isles’ depth on the right side of the defense, joining Ryan Pulock, Scott Mayfield, and Adam Boqvist as part of a group that looks increasingly stable heading into training camp. DeAngelo, 28, was signed midseason last year after spending the first part of the year playing in Russia. He made an immediate impact on a banged-up Islanders blue line, registering 19 points in 35 games, including power-play minutes and some late-season top-pairing duties. It was a fresh start in a league that, at one point, seemed ready to move on from him.

Now, he’s earned another shot, and he’ll likely get every opportunity to quarterback the power play and compete for a top-four role once again despite his continued struggles defensively. DeAngelo made it clear at the end of last season that he wanted to stay. "Obviously, [my preference] would be back,” he said on breakup day. “But we’ll see what happens.”

For the Islanders, it’s a smart, low-risk move. DeAngelo’s offensive instincts and puck movement bring something the current group lacks, and at $1.75 million, the value is there. With Mathew Schaefer and other young blueliners rising, DeAngelo provides a veteran stopgap who can still make an impact. It’s a reunion that benefits both sides and one that gives the Isles a clearer picture of their defensive identity heading into the 2025–26 season.