Stars' Smith clears waivers as arbitration looms

As Gemel Smith prepares to make his case for a better deal, he'll now have one more obstacle in his way.

The Dallas Stars winger cleared waivers Friday, despite being free for the taking by the league's other 30 clubs. Smith's salary arbitration hearing is set for Wednesday.

Whether limited roster spots or lukewarm interest in Smith was the reason he went unclaimed, it may now be more difficult to argue that he's due for much of an uptick in pay heading into his third NHL season.

The 24-year-old is coming off a one-year deal worth $650,000, per CapFriendly. The contract also covered $75,000 in AHL salary, but Smith spent the entire season with the Stars, where he picked up 11 points in 46 games.

Waiving a player prior to his arbitration hearing hasn't been an uncommon move this offseason, as the Calgary Flames used the same maneuver earlier this month with defenseman Brett Kulak. Kulak also cleared waivers and was later awarded a one-year, $900,000 deal in arbitration.

Smith and the Stars will still have a chance to agree on a new contract before Wednesday's hearing.

Dallas selected the winger with the 104th pick of the 2012 draft.