Avalanche's Ben Smith: Placed on waivers Sunday

Smith was waived Sunday, the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Aside from being held scoreless with a single shot on goal across four games this season, Smith was likely waived to make space for 2015 10th-overall pick Mikko Rantanen, who is nearing completion of his conditioning assignment at AHL San Antonio. If Smith clears waivers, he'll be sent to the AHL.