The Real Reason Why The Hurricanes Re-Acquired Tony DeAngelo

The team's predicament arose following the announcement that the Chicago Wolves would no longer be associated with the Hurricanes in the American Hockey League, meaning they have no AHL team, and nobody to call up if any injuries occur.

With the Chicago Wolves transitioning to an independent AHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes found themselves in a challenging situation. The team needed to secure a new affiliate for the upcoming season due to their inability to reach an agreement with another organization. The potential absence of an expansion team in the AHL added to the uncertainty.

Carolina's General Manager, Don Waddell, revealed their plan to establish their own affiliate for the 2024-25 season. In the meantime, the team is adopting a unique approach by loaning out prospects to various AHL clubs. This ensures that these players can continue their development in Europe while remaining connected to the Hurricanes' system.

To address the challenges stemming from the AHL predicament, the Hurricanes made strategic signings, including Tony DeAngelo, Caleb Jones, Dylan Coghlan, and Brendan Lemieux. These acquisitions have contributed to the team's depth, particularly evident in the presence of nine defensemen on the roster.

In response to the AHL situation, several prospects have been sent back to their respective European leagues. Alexander Pashin returned to Russia, while Aleksi Heimosami, Tuuka Tieksola, and Ville Koivunen went back to the Finnish SM-Liga.

The absence of a dedicated AHL affiliate could pose challenges for the Hurricanes, especially if their main roster faces injuries or illnesses. This circumstance may lead to a smaller roster at certain points during the season, which can impact the team's performance.

The re-acquisition of Tony DeAngelo appears to be one of the strategies employed by the Hurricanes to address their AHL conundrum and maintain depth in their lineup. As the team navigates this unique situation, the ultimate goal remains the development of a strong roster for the seasons to come.