Blackhawks Claim Smolenak Off Waivers From Tampa Bay

**Thrillhouse** · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 04:25 PM

The Chicago Blackhawks have claimed left wing Radek Smolenak (SMOH-lehn-ahk) off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Smolenak, 22, has recorded two penalty minutes in two preseason games this year with Tampa Bay after making his National Hockey League debut with the club in 2008-09, posting one assist and 10 penalty minutes in six contests. The Prague, Czech Republic, native ranked third on the American Hockey League’s Norfolk Admirals with 24 goals, fifth with 49 points and sixth with 25 assists – all career highs – in 71 games last season during his third professional campaign.

Tampa Bay’s second choice, 73rd overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Smolenak has racked up 281 penalty minutes and 75 points (39G, 36A) in 147 career AHL tilts with the Springfield Falcons (2006-07) and Norfolk (2007-09). He has also notched 50 points (22G, 28A) and 49 penalty minutes in 62 career ECHL games with the Johnstown Chiefs (2006-07) and Mississippi Sea Wolves (2007-08).

Prior to turning pro, Smolenak skated for two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs from 2004 to 2006, posting 74 goals, 144 points and 167 penalty minutes in 132 games. He paced the club in goals (42) and finished third in both assists (42) and points (84) in his final season (2005-06). The Blackhawks’ training camp roster now stands at 29 active players, which includes 18 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.

PuckHogs29 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 04:31 PM

Good for Smoley if the Hawks plan on playing him, which they kinda have to. I forget what the rules are about waiving someone after you've picked them up off waivers. Something about the former team getting first crack, but there's a time limit to that right?