In the summer of 2017, Devante Smith-Pelly was at a crossroads. Bought out by the New Jersey Devils, the then 25-year-old was uncertain of his future, not sure of the next steps to take. Then Brett Connolly, along with Tom Wilson, chimed in.
“They were honest and said there’s a spot for you there, and we can do something special,” Smith-Pelly said with a smile. “I’m glad I listened to them.”
For Smith-Pelly, his relationship with Connolly goes way back. The two played for Team Canada in the 2012 World Junior Championship when they were both 19.