Bob McKenzie provided an update on the Tony DeAngelo situation on NBCSN. When asked if a trade was close McKenzie quickly replied, “the short answer is no.”
According to hockey’s premier insider, “the sense I get is that the slow play here is the best play here for some of teams interested in DeAngelo.” That way the heat any team would face in acquiring the 25 year-old defenseman will die down.
He followed that up with noting there are many teams continuing to have conversations not only with the Rangers, but DeAngelo’s agent Pat Brisson.
McKenzie’s previous report on Tony DeAngelo
The last time McKenzie provided an update on DeAngelo it was over a week ago. “They’re talking to teams and there are at least 4-5 teams kicking tires doing their due diligence to see if this is a reclamation project they want to take on,” he said at that time.
According to McKenzie the teams reportedly interested at that time were the Flames, Red Wings, Kings, and Ducks.
Rangers no problem buying out DeAngelo
“Here’s the rub, the New York Rangers plan B would be if they don’t trade him is to buy him out at the end of the year,” McKenzie revealed. “In other words, the Rangers are not prepared to retain a huge amount of salary, the Rangers are not prepared to take on a huge contract the other way.”
Per Cap Friendly, the Rangers would only face a $383,333 hit in 2021-22 and a $883, 333 charge the season after. Teams looking to trade for him should understand that, and realize Jeff Gorton does not have his back up against the wall as initially believed.
