Devante Smith-Pelly was put on waivers Wednesday after not scoring since November 21, a stretch of 33 games. After going unclaimed by another team, DSP was sent down to Hershey officially on Thursday.
“He has to get his game back to where it was at last year in playoff time, and he’s someone who’s going to have to find that down in Hershey now,” Todd Reirden said.
The moment was reportedly painful for Smith-Pelly, who scored seven goals during the Capitals Stanley Cup run last year. DSP did not join Hershey on Friday, when the team set a new franchise record for points in consecutive games.
After also missing Hershey’s game Saturday, voice of the Bears, Zack Fisch, announced that DSP is reporting tonight to travel with the team to Bridgeport for their game Sunday.
Devante Smith-Pelly is expected to join @TheHersheyBears following tonight's game and travel with the team to Bridgeport. #HBH
— Zack Fisch (@zackfisch) February 23, 2019
According to Chocolate Hockey’s Kyle Mace, Smith-Pelly will most likely play his first game for the Bears on Wednesday against Hartford.
Can confirm Smith-Pelly is in Hershey with the Bears; saw him outside the locker room with Bears manager of wellness and team affairs Dan Stuck.
Spencer Carbery said he doesn’t think DSP will play tomorrow, but will “likely go into the lineup Wednesday in Hartford.”
— Kyle Mace (@kyle_mace) February 24, 2019
He will wear number 23.
Smith-Pelly hasn’t played a game in the AHL since April 4, 2014, as a member of the Norfolk Admirals – the Anaheim Ducks affiliate.
The forward scored 27 goals in 55 games during the 2013-14 AHL season.
