Earlier today, the Anaheim Ducks announced they had come to terms with RFA Devante Smith-Pelly on a two-year, $1.6 million contract. The deal, which is only one-way, will keep Smith-Pelly in Anaheim through the 2015-2016 season.
More from Ducks News
- Who could the Anaheim Ducks consider presenting offer sheets to?
- Is Pierre-Luc Dubois on the cards for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks?
- Making the case for the Anaheim Ducks to trade with the Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks might benefit tremendously by trading John Gibson
- How close are the Anaheim Ducks to becoming contenders again?
After spending most of the 2013-2014 with the Norfolk Admirals, the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, Smith-Pelly thrived in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 12 playoff contests, Smith-Pelly potted five goals, including the game-tying tally against the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of the first round series between the two teams.
Through 75 career games at the NHL level, Smith-Pelly has compiled nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points. The former second round pick (2010) had his best season in the AHL last season as he scored 43 points (27 G, 16 A) in 55 games.
Smith-Pelly, 22, will look to lock up a spot as a top-4 forward and could see some time next to stars Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry on the top line.
We took to Twitter to see some of the reactions from Ducks fans and from those around the league.
@PucksofaFeather this is a great thing! DSP was a force in the playoffs!
— Kent L. Muller (@klmuller22) September 17, 2014
Happy that @smithpelly23 is staying with the flock. #NHLDucks #IsItOctoberYet
— Drew (@Drew_D54) September 16, 2014
Wonder if Ducks know what a steal that deal is. #lovehisgame RT @AnaheimDucks: BREAKING: #NHLDucks sign @smithpelly23 to a two-year contract
— Mike Solarte (@MikeSolarte) September 16, 2014
Way late here but good to see Smith Pelly signed this morning. He really improved by leaps and bounds by the end of the season.
— #LeoCarlssonFanZone (@DucksFanZone) September 17, 2014
Huge Congrats to former Admiral RW Devante Smith-Pelly on his new two-year deal with @AnaheimDucks ! pic.twitter.com/httf8ap008
— Norfolk Admirals (@NorfolkAdmirals) September 16, 2014
Devante Smith-Pelly has had potential for years. After 5G last playoffs & new 2-year deal, time has come for #NHLDucks to feature him.
— Pete Jensen 🏒 (@NHLJensen) September 16, 2014
Congrats Devo! BREAKING: #NHLDucks sign @smithpelly23 to two-year contract. DETAILS --> http://t.co/LhB3D2xBv4 http://t.co/aB8BJL9Xk7”
— Dan Wood (@RealDanWood) September 16, 2014
That's good bang for the buck. RT "@icemancometh: Smith-Pelly's deal is two years, $1.6 million. $800,000 each season. One way."
— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) September 16, 2014
The consensus appears to be that the Ducks are getting a bargain here. If Smith-Pelly can translate his AHL and 2014 playoff success to a full, 82-game regular season, expect the Ducks, or another team, to offer a larger deal following the 2015-2016 season.
Josh Paulisin is an editor for Pucks of a Feather. You can follow him on Twitter. For more Anaheim Ducks coverage, follow Pucks of a Feather on Twitter or like us on Facebook.