Capitals Bring Back Smith-Pelly
*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 Washington Capitals didn’t give forward Devante Smith-Pelly a qualifying offer. They didn’t want to lock in arbitration with him. This was a risky move, but for the second straight summer, it paid off for the Caps. The Caps did it last year with Brett Connolly.
Smith-Pelly scored seven goals during their Stanley Cup run, including one in three straight games against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final. Keeping him around for $1 million is huge. Best of all, the Caps have a plethora of options, so if they need to bury him in the minors, it won’t be an issue.
Grade: B+. Risky move by the Capitals, but it’s one that paid off big time for them.
Penguins Re-Sign Sheahan
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Riley Sheahan to a one-year contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $2.1 million.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 27, 2018
More information: https://t.co/kSukwcCxeX pic.twitter.com/uAb7Y6nuM4
Earlier on Wednesday, the Penguins cleared some cap space by trading Conor Sheary and Matt Hunwick to the Buffalo Sabres. Part of the money saved will be going to Riley Sheahan, who got a one-year $2.1 million deal.
After being traded from the Detroit Red Wings, Sheahan did quite well for the Pens. In 73 regular season games, he put up 11 goals and 32 points. This came just a year after scoring just two goals, both of them in the final game of the season. Sheahan’s puck possession numbers, however, are quite concerning.
Grade: C. Sheahan is a crucial part of the Penguins bottom six because of his versatility. He’s been a solid pickup for the Pens, but his possession numbers are a bit alarming.
Kempny Gets Long-Term Extension From Capitals
OFFICIAL! Kemps is ALL OURS!
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 29, 2018
Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Michal Kempny to a four-year contract. Average annual value of $2.5 million. #ALLCAPS
More Details: https://t.co/oSr1LY0Wpo pic.twitter.com/c25FV8sLeh
Wow, what a story Michal Kempny has been. A few months ago, he was ready to explore his options in Europe. Then the Washington Capitals traded for him. He wasn’t a fit with the Chicago Blackhawks, but Kempny sure helped the Caps. The trade deadline acquisition formed a great second pairing with John Carlson.
Four years is a bit much for someone like Kempny, but the very low cap hit of $2.5 million makes it worth it.
Grade: A-. Capitals kept a guy who they love at an extremely reasonable price. The term is a bit high, but the low cap hit more than makes up for it. Great to see Kempny finally find a home in the NHL.
Panthers Bring Back Vatrano
We have agreed to terms with forward @Frank_Vatrano!
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 29, 2018
Welcome back, Frankie!
» https://t.co/ox4NwA5MQW pic.twitter.com/I8bZOSLSDA
The Panthers are keeping Frank Vatrano around. After acquiring him at the trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, they’re giving him a one-year deal worth $925,000. Vatrano has impressive AHL numbers but that hasn’t translated to the NHL yet.
Grade: B. As far as project players, Vatrano’s a pretty good guy to take a flyer on. Hopefully, his AHL scoring prowess can translate to the NHL.