Oilers eyeing Tony DeAngelo: A strategic fit for a "win now" roster

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Sam Jones
August 27, 2024 (9:17)

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The buzz is real-the Edmonton Oilers are keenly looking to revamp their lineup, with eyes firmly set on Tony DeAngelo.

Given his status as an unrestricted free agent, NHL insiders are abuzz with the potential fit for DeAngelo in Edmonton, a team clearly in the throes of a championship chase.

Frank Seravalli, writing for Daily Faceoff, highlights DeAngelo's potential to bolster the Oilers at a bargain. His perspective is not solitary, as evidenced by the discussions spiraling around his suitability for a team in its prime championship window.

Seravalli's thoughts are echoed by Dave Staples who notes DeAngelo's prime years and his nearly 40-point season capability as pivotal for the Oilers, who nearly clinched the Stanley Cup last season. Both insights were shared on their respective platforms, sparking considerable dialogue within the hockey community.

Drafted 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, Tony DeAngelo has an extensive NHL resume, including stints with the Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers. His varied experience across four NHL organizations positions him as a seasoned player with much to offer. His previous season's performance, detailed by another NHL enthusiast, underscores a dip with only 11 points over 31 games, but his potential remains untapped.

DeAngelo's best stint came during the 2019-2020 season with the Rangers, where he not only scored 53 points in 68 games but also maintained a positive on-ice presence. This level of performance is what the Oilers might be eager to harness, especially under the guidance of assistant coach Paul Coffey, known for his transformative coaching techniques.

With the training camp just a few weeks away, the Oilers might explore a contract or a professional tryout (PTO) to assess DeAngelo's fit within their dynamic. The possibility of DeAngelo rediscovering his form under an esteemed coach like Coffey could turn this move into a masterstroke for the Oilers, further strengthening their defense and their run for the Cup.

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The unfolding scenario presents an intriguing narrative for the Oilers and DeAngelo alike. As the preseason approaches, all eyes will be on this potential pairing to see if this defensive augment can translate into real-time success on the ice, propelling the Oilers closer to their ultimate goal: lifting the Stanley Cup.