Photo: Baltimore Sun

The Washington Capitals placed forward Devante Smith-Pelly on waivers on Wednesday. Forward Dmitrij Jaskin was about to go on waivers but the Capitals changed their minds before 12 PM when players are placed on waivers each day.

WASH has Smith-Pelley on waivers not Jaskin

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 20, 2019

Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan could be making this move to clear room to acquire a forward before the trade deadline, which is this upcoming Monday at 3 PM ET.

Todd Reirden said it was “an organizational decision” to make the waiver switch. Indicated there are things going on behind the scenes. “There is lots going on right now.”

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 20, 2019

After the New Jersey Devils bought out the final year of Smith-Pelly’s contract in June 2017, the Capitals signed him to a one-year contract at a league-minimum $650,000. He recorded seven goals, 16 points, and a -6 rating in 75 games last season but followed it up with a seven-goal, eight-point outburst in 24 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, including goals in each of the last three games of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Anaheim Ducks drafted Smith-Pelly, 26, 42nd overall in the 2010 NHL Draft.

The Capitals currently have $978,820 in remaining cap space, meaning that they would have to make a move in order to accommodate most players they wish to acquire by the trade deadline. By putting Smith-Pelly on waivers, the Capitals clear $1 million in additional cap space to facilitate a trade.

The Capitals play the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night at 7 PM ET.

Head Coach Todd Reirden’s update on Devante Smith-Pelly #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/hmjCqfgKf6

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 20, 2019

By Harrison Brown