Forward Devante Smith-Pelly cleared waivers on Thursday afternoon after the Washington Capitals put the 26-year old on waivers in order to accommodate a trade, most likely for Los Angeles Kings forward Carl Hagelin. Smith-Pelly will likely report to the AHL’s Hershey Bears.

Devante Smith-Pelly clears waivers. Along with everyone else.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 21, 2019

The team was initially going to put forward Dmitrij Jaskin on waivers to make room for Hagelin and/or anyone else they may acquire, but Capitals’ General Manager Brian MacLellan changed his mind.

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.

After signing a one-year contract worth $1 million, Smith-Pelly posted four goals, eight points, and a -6 rating while mostly playing on the fourth-line in 54 games with the Capitals this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

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

Before Smith-Pelly was placed on waivers, the Capitals had $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 cleared $1 million in additional cap space to facilitate a trade.

The Capitals play the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena tonight at 7 PM ET.

By Harrison Brown