RALEIGH, NC. -Don Waddell and the Carolina Hurricanes had hoped to keep Tony DeAngelo after the 2021-22 season.

The right-handed defenseman produced a then-team-record 51 points in 64 games on a one-year "show me" contract that year, reigniting his career after a turbulent ending to his tenure with the New York Rangers early in 2021.

But by the time the 2022 NHL Draft rolled around, days ahead of the opening of free agency, the Canes and DeAngelo's representation were not close to a new deal. Thus, in exchange for a few days of negotiating, the Canes received three draft picks over the course of three years, for a player they weren't going to be able to retain.

And despite signing a two-year deal with the Flyers worth an average annual value of $5 milllion, 382 days later, the blueliner is returning to Raleigh.

"Obviously the coach (John Tortorella) and I wound up not fitting together. I guess that would be the main reason behind leaving the team," DeAngelo said of his one-year stint in Philadelphia on Tuesday. "It didn't work out and as soon as it wasn't working out, we kind of had an idea that if I was going to go anywhere, it would be back to Carolina, if possible."

The New Jersey-born product produced 42 points in 70 games with the Flyers, but his time there became marred by being healthy scratched for the final five games of the regular season.

So, what made him zero in on a reunion with Carolina if he eventually could choose from any of the other 31 teams in the league?

"I think the way the team plays kind of fit my style more so than I'd ever had before," DeAngelo shared as part of his logic. "I'd probably say coaching, more than anything (was a big reason). I got along with Rod (Brind'Amour) more than I got along with any other coach that I've played for in my career. That's the kind of guy he is and I feel like we were a good match for one another."

Under Brind'Amour, DeAngelo's offensive production was evident, but he was also part of a defensive corps that aided in

allowing a league-low 202 goals.

"I actually thought the best defensively that I've played was in Carolina," DeAngelo continued reflecting. "(Rod) lets you play and he lets you be who you are. I think that's important, especially for myself."

It wasn't just the head coach who the 2014 first-round pick was singing the praises of though, as his appreciation also extended beyond.

"One of the big reasons for wanting to come back was the way that the fans have embraced me there," he also said. "The team, and the organization (too). It was nice and it'll be nice to be back."

Make no mistake, the defender understands that things are different this time around.

77 rejoins a blueline that has only gotten stronger personnel-wise, adding Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov since his departure, in addition to Jalen Chatfield seizing the opportunity of a full-time role.

Brady Skjei is coming off of a career season after another year next to his trusty partner Brett Pesce, and the biggest question pertaining to Jaccob Slavin is whether he'll be skating with the same partner in back-to-back campaigns for the first time in four years, or if he'll be back on the left of DeAngelo.

"It's definitely crowded, but that's a good thing," DeAngelo said of the current state of the blue line. "It's never a bad thing to have too many players. As far as what's going to go on there and how things are going to shake out, that's up to the players first in camp. The coaches will decide after that."

An embarrassment of riches to be sure, but as far as who is the odd man out coming October 11 versus Ottawa, that's to be decided later, as DeAngelo referenced.

"I'm just hoping to come in and do whatever I can to help the team take the next step," he furthered.

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