LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 26: Devante Smith-Pelly, drafted in the second round by the Anaheim Ducks poses for a portrait during day two of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft at Staples Center on June 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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ARTHUR:
While 42nd may seem high, Smith-Pelly was once selected 8th overall in the OHL Priority selection with the note that he needed to fill out and get stronger. Now 6'0" 211 (up from 5'11" 180), Smith-Pelly doubled his goal total from his rookie season with Mississauga and almost tripled his assist total, tying him for the team lead in points with Casey Cizikas, who played 8 more games this season. So, based on the trajectory of his development, the reasons NOT to take the right winger seem few and far between.
Mississauga St. Michael's Majors Stats
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | |
| 2008-09 | 57 | 13 | 12 | 25 | -4 | 24 |
| 2009 Playoffs | 11 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | |
| 2009-10 | 60 | 29 | 33 | 62 | 27 | 35 |
| 2010 Playoffs | 16 | 8 | 6 | 14 | -1 | 20 |
Right now, he's being asked to play as a bang and crash power forward on a defensive team, and if he can realize that imposing physical potential to go along with his sharp offensive instincts, it would be possible to project him as a Top Sixer at the next level. Failing that, there is still plenty of potential here, and his weight gain shows a work ethic and understanding of his high draft position that will likely carry over to his status as a 42nd Overall pick.
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