Devante Smith-Pelly has signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Washington Capitals, according to reports.
Smith-Pelly was a restricted free agent entering this offseason, but the Capitals did not tender a qualifying offer to him by Monday’s deadline, making the forward an unrestricted free agent instead.
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 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
The Capitals have not yet announced the signing, but said Monday that they were still negotiating with Smith-Pelly.
A fourth-line forward who joined Washington on a two-way contract last year, Smith-Pelly only scored seven goals in the regular season but became a clutch scorer in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He scored seven postseason goals, including three in the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Capitals were Smith-Pelly’s fourth NHL team, but reports say he wanted to stay with the team and he turned down more money from other clubs.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.