Matt Smaby elects for arbitration

Posted Jul 5, 2009 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Jul 5, 2009 at 10:11 PM

Lightning defenseman Matt Smaby was among 20 players who have elected for salary arbitration. A hearing date will be determined at a later date but will fall between July 20 and August 4. All hearings are held in Toronto.

Smaby, a second round pick in 2003, just finished his third year pro and is out of his entry level contract. Last year was hs first long-term stint in the NHL after appearing in 43 games. Smaby made a name for himself with the coaching staff last season when, despite suffering a broken bone in the top of his foot, he played quality minutes toward the tail end of the season as the Lightning defense was decimated by injury. Smaby made $825,000 last season.