Frank Seravalli gives update regarding controversial free agent linked to the Oilers

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Ryan Hall
August 30, 2024 (9:30)

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NHL insider Frank Seravalli has expressed that unrestricted free agent Tony DeAngelo would love to play in Edmonton at a league minimum deal.

During an interview with Oilers now and Bob Stauffer, Seravalli stated that the Oilers are currently looking for a defenseman after the departure of three prominent players in Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway and Cody Ceci. He went on to explain that Tony DeAngelo would be willing to take a minimum league deal to play for the Oilers.

«I'll throw one other name at you that I don't think has gotten much play internally but I think is a better player than all the names that I mentioned and who's still unsigned: Tony DeAngelo,» Seravalli said. «I think what you're talking about is the potential for a 50-point defenceman on your team that is still in his 20s, that is ready, willing, and able to play for close to the league minimum and would absolutely love to be in Edmonton.»

Adding a player like DeAngelo would certainly add veteran experience and an edge to the Oilers defense. Many fans across the league feel that he is a controversial defenseman as he has had altercations with head coaches, other players which have led to stories online. He also has expressed his political views online which has drawn the ire of some fans as well.

Seravalli went further to say that he is a well-liked player in the dressing room and even if he had issues online with fans or other players, some may be true, and others may not.

«All the intel that I have is that he's a really well-liked teammate,» Seravalli said. «Have there been some skirmishes or scuffles that have popped up over the course of his career? Did he gain notoriety for his Twitter account? Yeah, I mean, those things are all true, or some of them are true, some of them have become legend.

The NHL insider concluded that the Oilers would need to find players like DeAngelo who will add to the Oilers while they're building their team for another Stanley Cup run.

«When it comes to filling this roster - and the Oilers have shown this before, think about the player we were just talking about in Evander Kane - like, it can't be a popularity contest,» Seravalli added. «I say this all the time when we talk about building a team. Are we looking to have a team of nice guys who win in the community, or are we looking to have a team that wins the Stanley Cup? I think there's a way to blend both of those missions, but I'm not leaving any stone unturned on trying to win a Stanley Cup.»

Source: OilersNation

Seravalli: Tony DeAngelo would �love to be in Edmonton,' is willing to play for cheap