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When qualifying offers were handed out earlier this week, there was some concern - and a fair amount of surprise - that Devante Smith-Pelly was the lone RFA to not receive an offer from the Caps.
Well, it sounds as if one of the team’s more surprising playoff heroes will indeed be back, with multiple reports confirming a one-year, $1 million deal for Smith-Pelly.
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
*Breaking News* I can confirm @Capitals agreed to 1 yr/1Million Deal with @smithpelly23 . Versatile,clutch performer,can play 4th line,P.K.,some 1st line. Loves DC, loved by his teammates.Took less to stay. @NHL @NHLNetwork
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 27, 2018
UPDATE: It’s official! The team has announced the new deal with Smith-Pelly:
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.
Just another piece of the Cup-winning team sticking around for at least one more season (and this time at a cap-friendly amount)... that’s always good news. Welcome back, DSP!