Devante Smith-Pelly signs two-year deal with Ducks

Restricted free agent Devante Smith-Pelly, who scored five playoff goals for the Ducks last season, signed a two-year contract Tuesday, two days before training camp begins.

The deal, which will keep the 22-year-old forward in the NHL barring an injury rehabilitation, is for $1.6 million, said a hockey official unauthorized to discuss financial terms publicly.

“This is my first process going through this, I didn’t know how long it would take,” Smith-Pelly said on a conference call. “I just wanted it to get done before [camp].”

Smith-Pelly, 6 feet 2 and 220 pounds, was a second-round pick in 2010. He spent only 19 games with the Ducks last season, but emerged late in the season, providing scoring and toughness.

He scored a late regulation goal that helped eliminate the Ducks’ first-round playoff opponent, Dallas, and often played alongside Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf on the first line.

“I was happy with the way I played in the stretch run,” Smith-Pelly said. “From the personal level, it was good for me, for my confidence. … The way I play, I can be successful on any line.”

He led the Ducks’ minor league affiliate, Norfolk, in goals (27 in 55 games) before gaining the promotion and positioning himself to play a key role this season.

The Ducks are due to report Thursday to the Honda Center for the start of training camp, and begin practicing Friday in preparation for their Oct. 9 regular-season opener at Pittsburgh. Their home exhibition opener is Monday, a split-squad matchup against Colorado.

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