The New York Islanders needed to make some moves this offseason, and they just checked one off the list. Tony DeAngelo is staying on Long Island for a little while longer.
The Islanders signed the defenseman to a two-year extension worth $4.5 million, according to reports. That contract also includes a limited no-trade clause, which gives DeAngelo at least some say in where he could end up if the team decides to move him down the road.
DeAngelo wasn’t shy about sharing the news himself either. He posted about it before the team made an official announcement, which is pretty on brand for a guy who’s never been afraid to speak his mind.
Last season, he carved out a role as one of the Islanders’ top blue-liners, playing alongside Adam Pelech. He finished with five goals and 35 points in 76 games while averaging just over 19 minutes of ice time a night. He also chipped in seven power-play points, which helped a New York power play that needed all the help it could get.
This is a solid deal for both sides. DeAngelo gets stability and a raise after bouncing around the league a bit. The Islanders get a guy who clearly fits their system and can move the puck. Not bad for a player whose career looked like it might be heading in a different direction a few years ago.
The Islanders May Not Be Done Yet
New York missed the playoffs for the second straight season. That stings for a team that went on some deep runs not that long ago. But the front office seems aware that standing still isn’t an option.
According to NHL.com’s Stefen Rosner, the Islanders are taking calls on star forward Mathew Barzal. Rosner reported that multiple teams have reached out, including the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens. Barzal carries a 22-team no-trade clause in his contract, so any deal would require his approval.
General manager Mathieu Darche isn’t necessarily shopping Barzal around. But he’s listening. That’s his job. And in a league where things can change fast, it’s smart to know what your options are.
Barzal is the kind of player who could fetch a huge return. He’s talented, still in his prime, and on a contract that runs for a few more years. But moving him would signal a bigger retool, maybe even a rebuild. That’s not something the Islanders have done lightly in the past.
It’s worth keeping an eye on the draft coming up too. If New York makes a trade, it’ll probably happen around then. The roster could look noticeably different next season, especially if they want to avoid missing the playoffs for a third straight year.
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