Bruins Claim Gemel Smith off Waivers

Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY SportsThe Dallas Stars placed depth forward Gemel Smith on waivers yesterday with the intent to assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars. Although he cleared waivers earlier this offseason while undergoing contract arbitration with the Stars, the 24-year-old forward was claimed by the Boston Bruins earlier today.

The Stars waived Smith in order to make room for Martin Hanzal, who is coming off of LTIR after being cleared to play on Tuesday. Hanzal had a season-ending surgery on his spine last March, and has fought back from what many considered to be a potential career-ending injury. Hanzal is expected to be in the lineup for tomorrow’s game against the…