This former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman is one of the top free agents still without a contract or PTO.
With the start of NHL training camps just about here, several free agents who did not land contracts for the 2024-25 season are signing professional tryout (PTO) agreements. The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the many clubs who have followed the PTO trend, as they have invited goalie Eetu Makiniemi to training camp.
While many of the top free agents left have signed PTOs, there are still some interesting names available who have not. Former Flyers defender Tony DeAngelo is among the most notable.
DeAngelo, 28, is coming off a shaky season with the Carolina Hurricanes. In 31 games with the Metropolitan Division club, he had three goals, eight assists, and a minus-7 rating. When playing at his best, the Sewell, New Jersey native can produce far better offense from the point, so it was simply a rough year for the eight-year veteran. He was also the subject of several healthy scratches.
However, with NHL teams starting to bring in players on PTOs, the prospect of DeAngelo securing one should not be ruled out. While the right-shot defender has his struggles defensively, he could be a decent depth player for a club needing more offense from the point to consider. For example, during the 2022-23 with the Flyers, he had 42 points in 70 games, He also had 10 goals and 51 points in 64 games with the Canes in 2021-22.
It will be fascinating to see if DeAngelo earns at least a PTO from an NHL club. Given his past offensive success, a team out there could give him a shot.
