Caps waive playoff star Smith-Pelly

The playoff Washington hero Devante Capitals Smith-Pelly placed on waivers Wednesday ahead of next week’s NHL trade deadline.

Coach Todd Reirden told report- ers in Toronto the plan was to waive winger Dmitrij Jaskin, who did not practice, but the team changed course.

If one of the other 30 teams claims Smith-Pelly, it would clear a roster spot and his $1 million salary off the books for the defending Stanley Cup champions. General manager Brian MacLellan has said the team is shopping for a forward, and pending restricted free agent winger Andre Burakovsky is a po- tential trade chip.

The deadline is 3 p.m. Eastern on Monday.

Smith-Pelly, 26, scored seven goals in last year’s playoffs during the Capitals’ run to the title. This season, Smith-Pelly hasn’t scored a goal in 33 games, registered an as- sist in 17 games and has just eight points in 54 games.

Also Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks Haley Panthers. parts Sharks. waivers goalies recently 23-man The and Philadelphia of off Flyers — veteran roster. claimed to acquired rookie three waivers clear Haley put Brian starter seasons a Mike forward backup recently from glut has Elliott McKenna of Carter three the with goaltenders. Cam Micheal — Florida played other on Hart, Talbot the on its who 2010 with Veteran signing Cup the helped Ducks Vancouver Finals, goalie for winger the the cleared Michael Flyers rest Canucks. Patrick of waivers the reach Leighton, season Eaves Anaheim the after was waivers, also put among and forward the those Pittsburgh Joseph who cleared Cramarossa Penguins him. on waivers after signing center The Boston Charlie Bruins Coyle from have the acquired Minnesota Wild for center Ryan Donato and a conditional fifth-round pick Coyle represents a significant forward upgrade for Boston, which has won six in a row to move into second place in the Atlantic Division.