Devils ink deals with Smith-Pelly, Merrill, Bennett

The New Jersey Devils have locked up forward Devante Smith-Pelly for two years at $2.6 million and defenseman Jon Merrill for two years at $2.275 million.

After managing just six goals and 12 points in 46 games with the Montreal Canadiens, Smith-Pelly elevated his play after being shipped to the Devils, collecting eight goals and 13 points in 18 games down the stretch.

Merrill is coming off his third season with the Devils since being drafted in the second round in 2010. The 24-year-old was limited to just 47 games, putting up one goal and four assists.

The Devils also signed forward Beau Bennett, who was recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins, to a one-year contract worth $725,000.