Trade: Wyatt Smith

The Tampa Bay Lightning packaged up and sent out center Wyatt Smith to the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday. In exchange the Lightning will receive "future considerations," whatever that may mean.

The veteran NHL/AHLer Smith has played 18 games this season for the Norfolk Admirals registering 8 points on 3 goals and 5 assists. Smith has played 211 career NHL games, most recently with the Colorado Avalanche last season, and has recorded 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points as well as a -18 rating and 65 penalty minutes.

Originally drafted in the 9th Round, 233rd overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Coyotes, Smith played parts of 3 seasons for Phoenix before bouncing from Nashville to the Islanders, Minnesota and Colorado. Smith had signed a deal with the Lightning during the offseason but never really fit in to that "franchise's" plans.

We wish Wyatt the best as he makes yet another move.

Preseason Saturday September 20

The NHL preseason officially kicked off on Saturday with 2 enticing matchups and, of course, some Former Islander action. Here is a look at what happened in the first games, albeit exhibition, of the 2008-09 season!

Stephen Valiquette gave up 3 goals on 11 shots and took the loss as the host Ottawa Senators beat the New York Rangers 3-2. Vali was yanked midway through the second period to give some opportunity to Ranger prospect Miika Wiikamn (way too many "i"s). Valiquette starts off the preseason with an 0-1-0 record.



The newly forged Tampa Bay Lightning, minus most of their stars, took on the host Pittsburgh Penguins, and most of their stars and shocked them in a 5-4 SO win. Wyatt Smith scored Tampa's second goal as they overcame 1-0 and 4-3 deficits to force OT. The goal was the first for Smith with the Lightning as he battles for a regular spot in Tampa. New Penguin Miroslav Satan missed his attempt in the first round of the SO.

Check back soon for more preseason happenings at FIW.