Tony DeAngelo has cleared waivers.
The sun rose in the east this morning. In related news, DeAngelo knew. Unclear what comes next in this saga.
– Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) February 1, 2021
Rangers are still determining next steps for DeAngelo as he has cleared exemptions and is working closely with his agent Pat Brisson https://t.co/PXLQB0DcGo
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 1, 2021
It’s not known what will come next for DeAngelo, but the Rangers now have a few options as he cleared waivers.
There’s the AHL, although I think it’s unlikely the team would assign him to the Hartford Wolf Pack, nor is it likely DeAngelo would accept the assignment to begin with. The AHL season kicks off Friday, February 5, and this year, the Wolf Pack will play games against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and the Providence Bruins as there were teams opting out of the season due to COVID-19.
There’s also the potential of a trade, where the Rangers keep their paycheck or take back a contract, as directed by Larry Brooks.
DeAngelo is unlikely to be claimed, but trading is possible if NYR is willing to take back money, either by keeping 50% of the $ 4.8 million or taking back the contract …
– Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) February 1, 2021
It is true that every team in the league had the chance to claim DeAngelo, but the financial environment of a flat cap has resulted in teams cutting their payroll or simply not having the pay cap. Finally, the Rangers can send DeAngelo home and keep him on the ice for now while they try to sort things out if a trade doesn’t materialize right away.
With DeAngelo now in limbo, Anthony Bitetto will take his place in the lineup as Jack Johnson is expected to stay out due to a groin injury. Bitetto grew up as a Ranger fan and joined the team as a free agent off-season. He played in 183 games in his NHL career, including 51 with the Winnipeg Jets last season.