Islanders bolster defense by re-signing Tony DeAngelo right before NHL free agency opens

Looking at the market for right-handed defensemen, there was one move that made overwhelming sense for the Islanders.

And that’s just the move they made Tuesday morning, re-signing Tony DeAngelo to a one-year deal 90 minutes before the opening of free agency.

The deal is for $1.75 million, per Frank Seravalli.

That sets up the Islanders with DeAngelo, Ryan Pulock, Scott Mayfield and Adam Boqvist on the right side of their defense heading into training camp.

DeAngelo, who started last season in Russia, not only will be on an NHL team but should have a real chance of playing top-pair minutes, along with being on the top power play.

Tony DeAngelo is staying with the Islanders. NHLI via Getty Images

The Islanders signed DeAngelo in the middle of last season to help fill holes left by injury.

He ended up playing 35 games with 19 points in what was a fresh restart to an NHL career he believed to be over.

DeAngelo made no secret of his desire to be back with the Islanders on breakup day.

DeAngelo appeared in 35 games last year. NHLI via Getty Images

“Obviously [my preference] would be back, but we’ll see what happens,” DeAngelo said. “That’s out of [my] control for now. Not worried about it until it comes around. But first choice.”