Former controversial Rangers defenseman has contract terminated following recent announcement

Some unfortunate news emerges from the KHL team SKA St. Petersburg has they have announced that they have terminated former New York Rangers defenseman's contract.

Former New York Rangers defender Tony DeAngelo has had his contract terminated in the KHL due to mutual decision, despite having a solid season with the team while putting up 6 goals and 32 points in 36 games.

However, both Tony DeAngelo and the SKA St. Petersburg have made it clear that this has nothing to do with his performance but rather due to a «family issue».

Definitely a tough blow for DeAngelo as he was making a name for himself as he was the KHL's leading scorer amongst defensemen.

At this time It remains unclear what his next move is, but the former NHL defender has issued a statement that reveals his decision to leave Russia:

«I would like to inform you that due to family circumstances I am forced to leave SKA and return to North America. This decision was not easy, but now it is important for me to be closer to home. It is very sad to leave such a city and such a team in St. Petersburg, they really love hockey, appreciate each player, do everything to ensure that the club achieves high results.

I would like to thank all the fans for their support, for the always full stands. You gave me some of the best emotions from home games that I have experienced in my career. Thanks to the club and the team: head coach Roman Rotenberg, all partners, coaching and administrative staff for help on the ice and in everyday life, for attention to detail, the highest professionalism and a great atmosphere in the locker room.

I am proud to have been on the same team with you, I wish you success in the rest of the season and I hope to see the team win the Gagarin Cup.

I will always remember this experience with warmth and hope that our paths will cross again in the future. Thank you for everything!»

- Tony DeAngelo