Report: Caps still in dialogue with Smith-Pelly despite not giving qualifying offer

The Washington Capitals and unrestricted free agent Devante Smith-Pelly are still having dialogue regarding a new deal after the club didn't extend the winger a qualifying offer on Monday, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports.

The NHL's deadline to qualify restricted free agents struck Monday at 5 p.m. ET, and Smith-Pelly's name is among the top to hit the open market.

After having the second year of his contract bought out by the New Jersey Devils, Smith-Pelly joined the Capitals on a one-year, $650,000 deal last July. The 26-year-old winger recorded 16 points in 75 regular games with Washington, but boosted his value with seven goals in the playoffs, including three in the Stanley Cup Final to help the club secure its first championship.