Bruins assign forward to AHL ahead of NHL's roster freeze
The NHL Roster Freeze went into effect at 11:59 pm local time on Monday, and with it, an interesting transaction by the Bruins.
The roster freeze prevents any players on active rosters (or IR) from being traded, waived or loaned to the minor leagues during the holidays. The freeze will be lifted at 12:01 am local time on December 28th.
In a corresponding move with Sunday, Don Sweeney assigned forward Craig Smith to the Providence Bruins of the AHL. Scott McLaughlin of WEEI shared the news:
''Craig Smith was indeed assigned to Providence before the midnight holiday roster freeze. We'll see if he actually reports or if it's just a paper move. Bruins can accrue more cap space over the next week with him off the NHL roster.''
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As McLaughlin stated, this is most likely just a money move, as the Bruins will gain cap space over the holidays because of it. Fans shouldn't be surprised to see the veteran back in the NHL sooner rather than later.
Smith, 33, has skated in 18 games with Boston this season, registering one goal and three assists.
NHL players in this story
Craig Smith
| POLL | ||
20 DECEMBRE | 54 ANSWERS Bruins assign forward to AHL ahead of NHL's roster freeze Will Smith be back in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 57.4 % |
| No | 8 | 14.8 % |
| He's getting traded first | 15 | 27.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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