Tampa Bay Lightning lose Gemel Smith on waivers to the Detroit Red Wings

The Tampa Bay Lightning will no longer have centerman Gemel Smith to call upon for depth as the Detroit Red Wings claimed Smith today after being placed on waivers by the Lightning yesterday.

Smith signed a 2-year contract to remain with the Lightning over the offseason but had been on Injured Reserve all season after suffering a lower body injury in the Lightning’s preseason. His injury required surgery, and he was only now healthy enough to be sent through waivers with the intent of being assigned to the Syracuse Crunch.

Smith’s legacy in Tampa will be his physical brand of hockey played over his eight games the previous two seasons that resulted in a goal and three assists. Smith also centered what is believed to have been the first all-Black forward line in NHL history with the Lightning last season.

In Detroit, Gemel will be reunited with his brother Givani, who often plays left wing in the Red Wing’s bottom six. If Gemel is considered fit to play, it is possible we may see the two brothers playing on the same line in the coming days.

As for what this means for the Lightning, it does not change much. Smith did not count against the salary cap on Injured Reserve, so his departure does not free any cap space. Additionally, Tampa Bay had signed multiple depth forward options – Charles Hudon, Gabriel Dumont, and Remi Elie – over the offseason in case of emergency, so there are still plenty of options available to call upon if needed.

The biggest impact from the loss of Smith in the Lightning organization will be felt in Syracuse as Smith had been a highly productive player for the Crunch over his two seasons – 46 points in 53 games played. Had Smith passed through waivers for assignment to the Crunch, they would have had a major upgrade for their on-ice roster and another good role model for the Lightning’s young prospects to learn from.