Senators forward Smith ready to prove he’s still an asset after clearing waivers
OTTAWA — After a tumultuous 48 hours, Zack Smith is ready to prove he’s still an asset to the Ottawa Senators.
Senators general manager Pierre Dorion told Smith Tuesday morning he was being put on waivers based on performance. The veteran forward wasn’t claimed and was back on the ice with teammates Thursday, saying he went through a rough couple of days.
“I ran the course on the emotions,” Smith said. “Disbelief first, then denial, anger. It kind of flooded through me all at once. It was hard to grasp. No one wants to go through that situation. You question your worth and your ability to play hockey.
“To come in and play two exhibition games and be told I’m going on waivers because it was a performance issue was tough because I had put last year behind me and talking to the coaches they did too. It was a fresh start, so it was frustrating.”