Gemel Smith is 24 years old with 63 games played over two years and 17 total points. The Dallas Stars placed him on waivers at the end of last week leading up to his arbitration hearing, and he passed without any of the other 30 teams in the NHL making a claim. Viewed through that lens it seems like a fairly natural transaction.
It's also late July. The Stars haven't made any roster additions in a while. There is no pressing roster issue forcing the Stars to expose Smith to waivers.
No, it's likely just a maneuver prior to his arbitration hearing which is scheduled for next Wednesday.