Senators' Zack Smith clears waivers

Zack Smith went unclaimed on the waiver wire, as first reported by TSN's Darren Dreger on Wednesday.

The veteran Ottawa Senators forward was placed on waivers Tuesday.

Smith has three years remaining on the four-year contract he signed with Ottawa in January 2017, and the deal carries a cap hit of $3.25 million.

Smith could still be traded with the Senators retaining some of his salary, as suggested by Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. Failing that, he could remain with Ottawa at the NHL level, or be assigned to the Senators' AHL affiliate.

For the time being, he's sticking with the big club. Ottawa head coach Guy Boucher told reporters, including TSN's Brent Wallace, that Smith will play Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks on a line with Mark Stone and Brady Tkachuk.

The 30-year-old has spent his entire nine-plus season career with the organization, scoring 85 goals and 165 points while racking up 612 penalty minutes in 542 games.

He contributed five goals and 19 points last season.