Duchene: Waiving Smith is 'kick in the balls' for Senators

The Ottawa Senators cutting Zack Smith was tough for some of his teammates to swallow.

The veteran forward was placed on waivers by the Senators on Tuesday, and is free to be claimed by the NHL's other 30 clubs.

News of the suprising transaction shocked Smith's teammates in the Senators' locker room, particularly fellow veteran forward Matt Duchene.

"I'll be honest, it's a kick in the balls for us," Duchene told TSN's Brent Wallace.

"It's tough because we love Smitty. He is a great leader, he is a great player," Duchene added. "Unfortunately, I guess, sometimes in this business, things happen that are sometimes beyond hockey reasons and things like that. It's tough right now, we are hurting."

Whether Smith is claimed by another team could be determined by his contract, as the 30-year-old is signed for the next three seasons at a $3.25-million cap hit.

Smith was limited to five goals and 14 assists in 68 games with Ottawa last season. He notched a career-high 25 goals during the 2015-16 campaign.

Rival teams have until 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday to submit a claim for Smith. Waiver priority is based on last season's reversed final standings.