Devante Smith-Pelly had a little uncertainty in his future after the Devils did not offer a qualifying offer last week, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

But the team remained confident in bringing back the right wing, and the two sides agreed on a two-year, $2.6 million deal on the opening day of free agency.

Not getting a qualifying offer was a small speed bump, one that both sides quickly worked past.

"The talks went well after that. I think both sides were willing to work something out, so after that I don't think I had any worries," Smith-Pelly said after signing Friday. "I knew something would get done, and it came together pretty quickly."

After going for 12 points with six goals in 46 games for the Montreal Canadiens last season, Smith-Pelly provided a bigger spark in 18 games with the Devils, netting eight goals with 13 points.

"Going there last year and stepping in, having an impact right away was huge for me," he said. "I was happy to get something done and be there for another two years, and hopefully after that, even longer."

Now Smith-Pelly will again be a factor in an offense that has some added fire power between the trade for Taylor Hall and the signing of Vernon Fiddler, and he's ready to build on what he started at the end of last season.

"We like what Ray (Shero) has been doing with the team. The signings (Friday) definitely help us out," Smith-Pelly said. "You hate to lose a guy like (Adam) Larsson, but like I said, adding a dynamic player is huge, and I think the team is only trending up."

Chris Ryan may be reached at cryan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRyan_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.