Devante Smith-Pelly

Capitals sign forwards Devante Smith-Pelly and John Albert

After clearing cap space by trading Marcus Johansson to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, the Capitals signed two forwards – both of which could see time in Hershey – to two-way deals. Right wing Devante Smith-Pelly and forward John Albert inked one-year, two-way contracts Monday morning.

Smith-Pelly, who has played parts of five seasons in the NHL, just recently had the final year of his two-year, $2.6 million contract bought out the day before free agency and is a candidate to skate on the Caps’ fourth line next season. A feisty undersized wing, Smith-Pelly registered an abysmal 40.85 shot attempts percentage last season with trap-happy New Jersey. During his time in Anaheim, Smith-Pelly had his biggest career accomplishment, scoring five unlikely playoff goals during the team’s 2013–14 postseason run (which ended in the second round).

Albert, originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2007 season, played in 9 NHL games for Winnipeg last season. During his distinguished American Hockey League career, the undersized center has registered 155 points (68 goals, 87 assists) in 283 career games with St. John’s and Manitoba.

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