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Washington Capitals: Devante Smith-Pelly stays put

By Ron Juckett

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 12: Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (25) holds his championship belt as the Stanley Cup champions Washington Capitals hold their victory parade and rally on The National Mall on June 12, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 12: Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (25) holds his championship belt as the Stanley Cup champions Washington Capitals hold their victory parade and rally on The National Mall on June 12, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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Facing a Sunday deadline, the Washington Capitals and Devante Smith-Pelly hammered out a new deal. One which benefits all sides and you, the fans.

Devante Smith-Pelly will return to the Washington Capitals next season. The two sides on Wednesday agreed to a one-year deal with $1 million.

With Smith-Pelly and John Carlson returning to the fold, the Caps have $12 million left under the $79.5 million salary cap set for 2018-19. Tom Wilson, a restricted free agent, is likely next in line for an extension.

When the deadline came earlier this week for teams to tender contracts to restricted free agents, Washington did not give one to Smith-Pelly. If unsigned by July 1, he would hit true free agency and able to sign with any NHL club.

Smith-Pelly is an average fourth-line right-winger, but his seven goals during the Caps Stanley Cup run made him a folk hero in Washington. It was his game-tying goal in Stanley Cup clincher which etched him into the heart and soul of fans from Baltimore to Norfolk.

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The contract issue stemmed from the Caps not wanting to risk an arbitration hearing with Smith-Pelly. Under the rules, he had the right to ask for a two-year deal and extra money based on his playoff performance.

Washington, eager to keep him, was willing to risk losing Smith-Pelly in order not to risk a bad, in their eyes, decision. Other clubs showed interest and offered more money but, as with Carlson, Smith-Pelly took the raise to stay.

Earning $650,000 in 2017-18, the Caps needed to offer a 15 percent raise for arbitration. Those seven playoffs goals paid nicely as Smith-Pelly got a $350,000, or 54 percent, bump instead.

There were concerns from fans the decision not to tender Smith-Pelly was political rather than financial. Both sides, when Washington’s decision became public, said immediately that was not the case and negotiations continued.

Whether he makes the official visit to the White House when the Caps visit was not a factor. Smith-Pelly signed a deal both sides are comfortable with. The focus returns to the rink.

When training camp gets underway this fall, Smith-Pelly hopes to build off his amazing spring. Although the fourth line is his likely destination, his ability to level hits and score gives him flexibility. His checking is always strong. Now, he must use his championship experience to build his offense.

Next: Wilson deserves fat extension

For the Washington Capitals and Devante Smith-Pelly, this is a win-win. A hero from their first championship continues for the Caps while he gets the chance to build roots in the area. This is a smart deal.

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