Devils' Devante Smith-Pelly: Out of lineup against Rangers

Smith-Pelly will sit out Thursday's preseason contest with New York due to an upper-body injury, Andrew Gross of The Recor reports.

Analysis:

Smith-Pelly, who came over from the Canadiens via trade last season, signed a two-year deal with the Devils during the offseason and figures to be in contention for a spot on the second line. In just 18 games with New Jersey, the winger notched 13 points, one more than he had in his previous 46 outings in Montreal. It seems the 24-year-old is better suited to coach John Hynes' style of play, but fantasy owners utilizing Smith-Pelly will likely need to monitor his spot on the depth chart for the entire season given the uncertainty of where he will be lined up.