Ottawa Senators forward Zack Smith has cleared waivers, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
The Senators now can decide whether to send Smith to AHL Belleville or keep him in training camp with the big club. They could also negotiate a trade with another team that possibly includes paying a portion of the $3.25 million Smith is owed each of the next three seasons.
On Tuesday when news that Smith had been placed on waivers came out, Senators players and coaches expressed anger and disappointment with the decision.
Head coach Guy Boucher indicated that Smith will remain pencilled into his lineup until further notice, while centre Matt Duchene called the move “a kick in the balls.”
Smith, 30, is the longest serving Senators player, having been in the lineup the past 10 seasons. In 542 NHL games Smith has 85 goals, 165 points and 612 penalty minutes.
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