Canes give update on defenseman Tony DeAngelo’s injury. Here’s how long he might be out
The Carolina Hurricanes could be without defenseman Tony DeAngelo for a month, if not longer.
Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Thursday that DeAngelo, who had been on the top defensive pairing with Jaccob Slavin much of the season, suffered an injury in his midsection during the game Monday in Philadelphia.
DeAngelo left the game in the second period after getting off a heavy slapshot, but Brind’Amour said the injury may have occurred before that and the impact of the puck “pushed it over the edge.”
WIth nine goals and 31 assists in 43 games, DeAngelo is tied for third in scoring on the Canes and has ranked among the NHL leaders for defensemen. He has quarterbacked the first power-play unit and has 16 power-play points while giving the lineup some extra bite with his aggressiveness.
“It’s a tough blow because he’s obviously a big part of what’s going on,” Brind’Amour said after practice Thursday. “But every team seems to have it and you’ve got to deal with it. It’s next guy up and you’ve got to step in.”
The news was better Thursday for injured defenseman Brendan Smith, who was hit in the side of the head with a shot during the road game Sunday against Pittsburgh.
Brind’Amour said Smith could begin working out soon while adding the veteran “would need some time to heal.”
“We’re more optimistic on the time frame,” Brind’Amour said.
With DeAngelo out, Brind’Amour had Slavin paired with Brett Pesce during practice at PNC Arena. Jalen Chatfield, recalled Wednesday from the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, was paired with Brady Skjei and Ian Cole with Ethan Bear.
Chatfield played seven games with the Canes in late November and early December before being sent back to the Wolves. His play was solid enough to earn a new two-year contract extension with Carolina, the second year (2023-24) being a one-way deal.
“He proved he belongs and earned his way,” Brind’Amour said. “His skating ability was really good and noticeable.”
This story was originally published February 24, 2022 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Canes give update on defenseman Tony DeAngelo’s injury. Here’s how long he might be out."
