Devante Smith-Pelly reportedly signing in the AHL

According to John Hoven of SiriusXM NHL Network radio, the Los Angeles Kings affiliate, the Ontario Reign are closing in on signing 2018 Stanley Cup champion, Devante Smith-Pelly to an AHL contract.

The Ontario Reign are in desperate need of a veteran presence on a team that as of Saturday afternoon sit dead last in the AHL's Pacific division with a record of 2-10-2 through 14 games. The Reign are loaded with elite level prospects such as Samuel Fagemo, Quinton Byfield, Akil Thomas, and Alex Turcotte among others. The team as a whole hasn't gelled as well as originally thought, and adding a veteran presence in Smith-Pelly should help the younger players learn from someone who has nearly 400 games of NHL experience.

Smith-Pelly, 28, spent the 2019-20 season in the KHL with Kunlun Red Star. In 36 games, he tallied 11 points (8 G, 3 A), 40 penalty minutes, and was a -1.

The Scarborough, Ontario native has played parts of eight seasons in the National Hockey League with the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal, Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals. In 2018, he won the Stanley Cup with the Capitals. Smith-Pelly played a key role in game 5, scoring the tying goal half-way through the third period, en route to Washington winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

In 395 regular season games, Smith-Pelly has 101 points (44 G, 57 A), 137 penalty minutes, and is a -41. In 51 career playoff games, he's recorded 16 points (13 G, 3 A), 38 penalty minutes, and is a -4.

Ontario Reign roster update...

Sounds like they'll be signing former NHL forward Devante Smith-Pelly to an AHL deal. Will add some veteran experience. RW played 395 NHL games and spent last year in the KHL.— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) March 13, 2021

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