But DeAngelo was minus-13 with the Coyotes and minus-2 with Tucson.
If he can show improvement defensively, there will be a chance for him to earn a spot in New York. The Rangers bought out the final three seasons of Dan Girardi's contract, Adam Clendening signed with the Coyotes and Kevin Klein retired from the NHL.
With the top defense pair likely to be captain Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk, and Brady Skjei with Brendan Smith on the second pair, that would leave DeAngelo to battle for playing time with Nick Holden, Marc Staal and Alexei Bereglazov.
Besides Shattenkirk, DeAngelo is the only other right-handed defenseman of that group. His presence would prevent another defenseman from having to play on his off-side and give the Rangers an option on the second power-play unit.
"The New York system is going to fit me really well," DeAngelo said. "The Arizona system was fine as well, nothing wrong with it at all. I think New York is more of an up-tempo offensive style team. … I think that fits the way I play."
Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said he's excited to see how DeAngelo fits at training camp.
"I only saw him once last year but everything that I'm hearing, whether it be from our scouts, from [general manager Jeff Gorton], from people who I talked to that know him more like Newell Brown [Canucks assistant coach who was with Coyotes last season], who I'm real tight with, everybody seems to think this guy is legit and he's ready to take the next step," Vigneault said. "I have not talked to anyone who has told me differently. Everybody I speak to says the same thing, that he's going to help us as far as our quick north/south transition game, and that he's going to help on the power play. He knows this is his third team in a real quick span so he's got to make a name for himself. Everybody thinks he'll be able to get it done."
Another byproduct of playing in New York would be the chance for DeAngelo's family to see him play in person. He was born in Sewell, New Jersey, and home rinks for the Rangers, Flyers, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders are less than two hours away by car.
"My family will be able to come to as many games as they want now," he said.
But before the family can start buying tickets and planning road trips, DeAngelo must earn a roster spot.
"My plan is to make the team on opening night and not look back," he said. "Just play the way I did when I had spurts last year when I was good enough to stay up. … So, I think if I play the way I can I be a full-time guy."
