Hockey insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff highlighted some interesting defensive targets that the Edmonton Oilers might consider during a recent episode of Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer. Among the names Seravalli previously connected to the Oilers, including Kevin Shattenkirk, Justin Schultz, and Tyson Barrie, Tony DeAngelo was another notable target. Then, this week, he added even another intriguing detail to that study.
DeAngelo was characterized by Seravalli as a potentially underappreciated player with substantial upside. Seravalli remarked, “I believe Tony DeAngelo is a better player than the names mentioned.” “He is a 20-year-old defenseman who can score 50 points, is open to signing for a contract that is close to the league minimum, and would really love to be in Edmonton.”
DeAngelo Would Love to Play In Edmonton?
It wasn’t clear if Seravalli knew of DeAngelo’s intentions based on a direct quote or information relayed to him by DeAngelo’s agent. That said, he seemed confident that given the defenseman’s current situation, DeAngelo is eager for a fresh start and is willing to take a pay cut to play for a contending team like the Oilers. Joining an offensively potent team could also take some of the pressure off of having to be a top-producing blueliner since the Oilers are so potent offensively already.
It’s interesting that DeAngelo would want to step into a role where he would not even be a regular given that he wouldn’t be the go-to guy on the power play. It’s also important to note that the Oilers are supposedly thinking about making a “shake-up” transaction in which many players on their blue line might be replaced. Seravalli claims that the Oilers are looking at as many as seven different trade situations. DeAngelo may be a single participant in a dialogue that is developing and including multiple parties.
It’s interesting to see Seravalli continuing to support DeAngelo, even if it means that he will play for less money. He appears adamant that the player and the squad might actually experience this.
