Devante Smith-Pelly skating at what looks like a very optional morning skate for the Ducks.
Smith-Pelly is skating for the first time since the World Juniors. He likely returns to the lineup sometime in February.
Devante Smith-Pelly News
Heartbreaking way to end my tournament, but I know the guys will do the country proud regardless. Thank you everyone for your kind words
Smith-Pelly is expected to miss a significant amount of time after injuring himself in today's 8-1 win over Finland.
Injury update: Canadian forward Smith-Pelly being looked at by trainers. #WJHC2012
The Ducks winger was spotted limping off the ice and was definitely in some pain. Stay tuned for a further update on his status.
Call up / Send down
Kevin Prendergast and the coaching staff for Team Canada received 2 early presents Thursday night when it was announced by Anaheim and Tampa Bay that Devante Smith-Pelly and Brett Connolly would be loaned to the Canadian World Junior team.
Smith-Pelly should return to the team in the first week of January.
Line Change
Devante Smith-Pelly skated this morning on fourth line. If he plays, it'll be his 10th game. Said he hasn't gotten official word on staying.
Smith-Pelly could become the victim of the numbers game as the team has options up front. The team has serious worries about his conditioning level at the midway point of the season but they may burn a year off his entry-level contract due to his performance.
Line Change
Devante Smith-Pelly (flu) is better and skated on fourth line this morning. Said he's not certain he's in but appears so with Maroon gone.
If the Ducks decide not to dress Smith-Pelly, they could once again dress seven defensemen. Smith-Pelly remains on an entry-level slide with the ability to play two more games before the Ducks need to make a decision.
Line Change
Devante Smith-Pelly (flu) practiced yesterday and said he was a bit better. More of a stomach ailment Tuesday. You can take it from there.
Sounds like Smith-Pelly will play his eighth NHL game tonight. Through his first seven he has one assist playing mostly as an energy player.
Line Change
Yet, it is another crucial night for Devante Smith-Pelly, the 19-year-old forward whose bid to stick with the Ducks long-term will at least stretch into the regular season.
Smith-Pelly survived most of the roster cuts and figures to spend at least nine games on the third line. Through 67 games, the powerforward scored 36 goals and 66 points. Keep an eye on him for the future.He is viewed favorably by most scouts so keep an eye on him in the future.
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Too young to serve beer. Not too young to have a shot at cracking the Ducks' roster.
Right now it sounds like Peter Holland has the inside track of making the team. In fact, most OHL pundits expect Smith-Pelly to return to Mississauga St. Michael's Majors of the OHL. Through 67 games, the powerforward scored 36 goals and 66 points. Keep an eye on him for the future.
Among the variables going into Ducks training camp involves which players, among a bevy of eligible forwards, will grab the upper hand on openings among the third and fourth lines. Expect to find Devante Smith-Pelly among the discussion.
Smith-Pelley plays a rugged, power forward style of play which should fit well in the Western Conference. After a successful career in the OHL, he could be able to make the jump into the NHL ranks with a strong training camp.