Tony DeAngelo approved resignations.
The sun rose in the east this morning. In related news, DeAngelo clarifies. It is not clear what comes next in this saga.
– Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) February 1, 2021
The Rangers still determine the next steps for DeAngelo now that he has released the exemptions and is working closely with his agent Pat Brisson https://t.co/PXLQB0DcGo
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 1, 2021
It is not known what will come next for DeAngelo, but the Rangers now have a few options since he authorized the resignation.
There is the AHL, although I think it is unlikely that the team will nominate him for the Hartford Wolf Pack, and it is equally unlikely that DeAngelo will accept the nomination to begin with. The AHL season is set to start on Friday, February 5th, and this year the Wolf Pack will play games against Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Providence Bruins because there were teams that opted out of the season due to COVID-19.
There is also the potential for an exchange, with the Rangers retaining their salary or withdrawing a contract, as pointed out by Larry Brooks.
DeAngelo’s likelihood of being claimed almost nil, but trade may be possible if the NYR is willing to take the money back, either by keeping 50% of the $ 4.8 million or taking the contract back …
– Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) February 1, 2021
It is true that all teams in the league had the opportunity to claim DeAngelo, but the financial environment of a fixed ceiling meant that the teams reduced their payroll or simply had no room for a salary ceiling. Finally, the Rangers can send DeAngelo home, keeping him on the ice for now, while trying to figure things out if an exchange doesn’t materialize right away.
With DeAngelo in limbo, Anthony Bitetto will take his place in the lineup, as Jack Johnson is expected to be out due to a groin injury. Bitetto grew up as a Ranger fan, and joined the team this offseason. He appeared in 183 games in his NHL career, including 51 with the Winnipeg Jets last season.