Tony DeAngelo and GM Don Waddell speak after DeAngelo signed by the Carolina Hurricanes

When the New York Rangers told Tony DeAngelo to stay home near the beginning of the 2020-21 season, many assumed his NHL career might be over. After an incident involving teammate Alex Georgiev and apparently being very upset that he'd been made a healthy scratch earlier on, the team decided to move on. At the opening of free agency, the Carolina Hurricanes signed DeAngelo to a one-year deal worth $1 million. It's essentially a last chance signing for DeAngelo to prove that he can get his temper under control and be a good teammate. After the signing, Canes GM Don Waddell spoke to members of the media to explain his choice to make the signing.

"We've done a lot of background work on this player and we are confident that he can be a positive addition to our group," said Waddell.

"There's no doubt that he has made mistakes. We acknowledge that, and most important he recognizes that he's made mistakes."

Waddell said he and coach Rod Brind'Amour are "comfortable he's a different person."

"If we didn't feel if he made the progress we wouldn't be at this point. But we got to a point where we got comfortable," said Waddell.

Meanwhile, DeAngelo himself took questions from reporters and said he won't let the team down. He also said Brind'Amour was a big factor in his decision to sign in Raleigh.

"He gives me the sense that he's perfect for me and I think that I'm perfect for him. ... I think we're going to work together really well," said DeAngelo.

Many thought DeAngelo's right-leaning political beliefs were a reason he was dropped by the Rangers, although the team denied that on a couple of occasions. DeAngelo was asked during the briefing whether he supported the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He insisted he does not. He was also asked about the incident between him and Georgiev that lead to the Rangers letting him go, but wouldn't answer the question.

"It's in the past. There's mistakes made by myself that I take responsibility for," said DeAngelo.

As for any Canes fans considering cancelling their season tickets after the signing, DeAngelo asked them to reconsider.

"Stick with us, give me a shot."

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