FeaturedPhiladelphia Flyers

Trouble Intensifies between Tony DeAngelo and the Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers’ 2022–23 National Hockey League season is effectively over in terms of their ability to be a competitive team. Despite the fact that the team has been out of the playoff picture for a while, the Flyers’ current season has been a complete disaster, and it still seems that way.

The Flyers have made the strange choice to sit veteran defenseman Tony DeAngelo for the last several games; in fact, they have done so for three straight contests already. That must have seemed a little bit like a slap in the face for a fit and motivated player like DeAngelo, especially since coaches typically only use these kinds of maneuvers to convey a message.

Nevertheless, if there is a message being conveyed here, the Flyers don’t seem interested in telling DeAngelo what it is, as John Tortorella confirmed on Sunday that he hasn’t even recently spoken to the player.

DeAngelo has a history of being a bit of a problem child with some of his former organizations, so his treatment in this way isn’t exactly startling. The apparent lack of communication with a player who the Flyers will still have under contract come next season, however, is unexpected. DeAngelo signed a two-year contract with the former Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher in the summer of 2022, therefore he will still be on the Flyers’ books for the upcoming campaign with a $5 million cap cost.

Given that situation, alienating one of your regular defensemen so late in the season seems like a dubious choice, especially when referring to a character like DeAngelo.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Back to top button