Coach John Tortorella often talked this season about establishing a foundation around a young core, which would require subtracting some veteran players.
DeAngelo grew up a Flyers fan in the Philadelphia suburb of Sewell, New Jersey, and said, "I love being a Flyer. My whole life I've wanted to be a Flyer, so now that I am I don't take it for granted at all." He led Philadelphia defensemen with 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists), but was scratched for the final five games of the season.
DeAngelo said he and Tortorella have spoken about the reasons behind the lineup decision.
"Do I agree with what happened the last five games? Absolutely not," he said. "I think it's ridiculous that I didn't play the last five. But he's also the coach. It's not my job to decide that. All I can worry about is being a good teammate, which I think I did."
However, DeAngelo said whatever issues that may exist between he and Tortorella does not affect his desire to remain with the Flyers.
"We're not going to let any relationship stuff get in the way," he said. "He's the coach of the team, so you've got to respect that, and I respect what he does."
Hayes, who has three seasons remaining on the seven-year, $49.98 million contract ($7.14 million average annual value) he signed June 18, 2019, said Friday that he's "picked up the message" that he might be one of the players subtracted before next season.
"Younger guys are playing, and
] that was really good when he played.
"More positives than people probably think we have coming."
