Lightning Place Forward On Waivers

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gemel Smith has been placed on waivers. 

Smith has been out for the entirety of the season due to a lower-body injury. The 27-year-old forward was injured in a scrimmage during training camp, and that essentially ruined any chance of him making the team's NHL roster. Now, in January, he must be ready to return, but will likely be doing so with the team's AHL affiliate - the Syracuse Crunch. 

Due to Smith being out so long, it seems not very likely that a team will claim him. Yet, stranger things have occurred in the NHL, so maybe somebody will give him a shot. The Detroit Red Wings could be a fun option, as Gemel's brother Givani currently plays there. 

Yet, if Smith expectedly goes unclaimed and heads to the AHL, he will aim to land a call-up from the Lightning in the future. In 88 career NHL games between the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, and Lightning, he has 12 goals, 12 assists, and 53 penalty minutes. 

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