The Rangers have placed Tony DeAngelo on waivers. He is making an average of $4.8 million on the salary cap and signed through 2022.

It is interesting that the organization didn’t make a separate tweet for DeAngelo. That seems strange on the surface. It also is a bit perplexing that they’d take such a drastic action this early into the season. They’ve only played eight games.

It is true that DeAngelo is off to a lousy start. He’s been caught on for too many goals against. Coming off a career season where he was a big contributor offensively at five-on-five and the power play, DeAngelo earned his salary. However, he has underperformed like quite a few teammates with Mika Zibanejad in particular struggling mightily.

Early on, DeAngelo slammed the penalty box after disagreeing with a minor penalty. That earned him two games off with coach David Quinn sending a message to the defenseman. He registered his first point on an Artemi Panarin power play goal. But as I noted in the game recap last night, he had a nightmarish game.

However, this move can’t be only hockey related. Something must’ve happened off the ice following last night’s game. You don’t just waive one of your key players who along with Adam Fox, are the key offensive defensemen on the roster. Especially given the power play role. Even if he isn’t the best defensive player, there’s no way they would do this unless he did something detrimental to the team.

It’s far too drastic. If he goes unclaimed, then DeAngelo can clear waivers. Will he even play another game? If it really is that bad as is being rumored, probably not. And if he did do what’s being said, then he should never play another game for the team. Some things can’t be tolerated.

We’ll find out soon enough what DeAngelo’s status is.