Smaby, Matt

In an article published on tampabaylightning.com, Lightning Assistant General Manager Claude Loiselle gives an in depth interview about what's on tap for the Lightning organization next season in terms of its prospects.

Key bullet point items:

- Loiselle will attempt to re-sign midseason acquisitions Paul Szczechura and Junior Lessard.

- Matt Smaby is regarded as the prospect most prepared to make the jump to the NHL next season after a strong season in the AHL.

- The Lightning will attempt to sign Europeans Johan Harju and Vasily Koshechkin this offseason.

- As reported here on Bolt Prospects, Luca Cunti will attempt to return to SCSU next season and play college hockey.

Damian Cristodero of the St. Pete Times reports Mathieu Darche and Craig MacDonald both cleared waivers today and have been assigned to Norfolk. Both should bring instant offense to a club struggling to score goals and lacking true centers. Also, Matt Smaby was assigned to the Admirals.

The Lightning is now down to just 20 players, which reportedly was their goal once everyone was healthy. Doug Janik has won the No.6 defenseman job outright.

Damian Crisdotero is reporting on his blog Dan Boyle has been put on IR indefinitely pending examinations by specialists looking into damage on his recently repaired wrist tendons. The Lightning have recalled defenseman Matt Smaby from Norfolk of the AHL in response.

Don't know if this is THE roster move or just another chance to get him some playing time, but Matt Smaby has been sent back down to Norfolk of the AHL.

Yahoo! Sports is reporting the Lightning has recalled defenseman Matt Smaby from Norfolk.

Smaby will not play tonight, however, as Damian Cristodero reports in his St. Pete Times blog that it looks as though Dan Boyle will return to action tonight.

Cristodero states Doug Janik was slated to be the sixth defenseman tonight even though it is Smaby's "turn," because Smaby is coming off playing four straight days. Janik, however, was practicing with the injured players and scratches and not the starters--a group that included Smaby.

Update: tampabaylightning.com’s “Insider” is reporting Boyle was removed from the injured reserve list and will play.

With Boyle and Smaby both active and with the Lightning, the club now must decide which defenseman, Smaby or Janik, goes to Norfolk.

For more, please see Damian Cristodero's SPT blog.