Checking-line forward Devante Smith-Pelly is returning to the Capitals.
After not receiving a qualifying offer from Washington, Smith-Pelly continued negotiating with the team and the two sides struck on a contract Wednesday afternoon.
According to Pierre LeBrun, DSP turned down more lucrative offers from two other teams to try and repeat as champions with the Capitals.
Hearing that @smithpelly23 has agreed to return to the Caps on a one-year deal. Believe that he turned down more lucrative offers from two other teams but wanted to stay with the Cup champs who are tight vs the salary cap
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 27, 2018
Per NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes, DSP and the Capitals have agreed to $1 million deal, which is a raise of $350k from 2017-18.
*Breaking News* I can confirm @Capitals Have agreed to 1yr, 1Million Deal with Playoff Performer Smith Pelley. Stanley Cup Winner,Loves playing in Dc, Loved by his Teammates. Took less to stay. @NHL @NHLNetwork .
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 27, 2018
Smith-Pelly scored seven big goals during the Caps’ Stanley Cup Final run, including the game-tying goal in the third period of Game Five which helped push them to victory.
The Capitals used the same non-tender strategy with Brett Connolly last season, signing the forward to a two-year extension.
Welcome back, DSP.
6/28 update: The Capitals have officially announced the DSP signing. Here’s the press release.
The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Devante Smith-Pelly to a one-year contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. Smith-Pelly’s contract will carry an average annual value of $1.0 million.
Smith-Pelly, 26, recorded 16 points (7g, 9a) in a career-high 75 games with the Capitals this season. Additionally, the Scarborough, Ont., native recorded a career-high 103 shots. During the Capitals’ Stanley Cup run, the 6’0″, 223-pound forward was tied for fourth on the Capitals in goals (7) and scored in three-straight games in the Stanley Cup Final against Vegas. Additionally, Smith-Pelly scored the series-clinching goal in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal against Columbus. In 48 career playoff games, Smith-Pelly has 13 goals, and his 0.27 goals per game rating is tied for the 47th-highest in the NHL among active players with at least 45 career playoff games.
Smith-Pelly registered nine points (4g, 5a) in 53 games with the New Jersey Devils during the 2016-17 season. During the 2015-16 season, Smith-Pelly recorded 25 points (14g, 11a) in 64 games with Montreal and New Jersey, earning career highs in goals, points and game-winning goals (5). In addition, Smith-Pelly earned a career-high three points (2g, 1a) on March 17, 2016, against Minnesota and recorded a career-long four-game point streak from March 10 to March 17, 2016 (4g, 2a). During the 2014-15 season, he recorded 20 points (6g, 14a) in 74 games with Anaheim and Montreal.
Smith-Pelly has recorded 93 points (40g, 53a) in 341 career NHL games with Anaheim, Montreal, New Jersey and Washington.
Smith-Pelly was drafted by Anaheim in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2010 NHL Draft.
