Zack Smith clears waivers

After the Senators placed forward Zack Smith on waivers Tuesday, the veteran forward cleared them Wednesday.

The move to place him on waiver was met by great disappointment by members of the Senators. The 30-year-old has been in the Sens’ lineup the past 10 seasons and is the longest serving member of the team. Smith has racked up 85 goals, 165 points and 612 PIM in 542 career NHL games thus far.

 “I’ll be honest, it’s a kick in the balls for us,” said fellow teammate Matt Duchene.

The news likely came as a surprise for many, as Smith still has three years left on his contract which carries an AAV of $3.25 million. Smith has mainly been used in a bottom-six role in recent years, but he’s just three years removed from a career-high 25-goal season.

Smith managed just five goals in 68 games last season and was primarily utilized on the penalty kill. The Senators were reportedly trying to shed his salary in a trade last season, but were unable to find a suitable partner.

The Senators now can decide whether to send Smith to AHL Belleville or keep him in training camp with the NHL squad.