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Devante Smith-Pelly won’t be hitting the free agent market on Sunday, as the forward agreed to a one-year to re-sign with the Washington Capitals. Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic reports that Smith-Pelly took less money and years to remain with the team he helped claim their first-ever Stanley Cup championship.
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
Kevin Weekes of NHL.com seconded LeBrun’s report adding Smith-Pelly loved his teammates and wanted to stay for less.
*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
Terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed.
Smith-Pelly joined the Capitals in 2017 on a one-year, two-way deal. He quickly became a fan favorite of Capitals fans with his style of play. He scored seven goals and had 16 points in 75 games playing mostly on the fourth line.
In the postseason, Smith-Pelly stamped his reputation of being a playoff performer as he equaled his regular season total with seven goals in 24 postseason games, including a crucial game-tying goal in Game 5 — the series-clincher — of the Stanley Cup Final, as Washington went on to win that game and the series for their first-ever Stanley Cup.
The re-signing of Smith-Pelly eases the minds of fans who criticized the team and showed support for Smith-Pelly after the Capitals did not make a qualifying offer to the veteran forward.
Washington has now re-signed top defenseman John Carlson and fan favorite Smith-Pelly to the delight of many Caps’ faithful. They still have work to do with trying to re-sign top-six forward Tom Wilson and defenseman Michal Kempny, who played next to Carlson as the top defensive pair.
