Smolenak claimed off waivers by Chicago Blackhawks and other transaction news

Radek Smolenak's travels are not done.  As the Bolts have only just arrived in Norfolk, Virginia for tonight's scrimmage against the Admirals, it turns out that Radek needs to get on another plane and head for Chicago.

In a just-breaking bit of news, Smolenak has been claimed off waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Smolenak has had a well traveled summer, having signed with the Russian KHL in May. He was cut by his KHL team less than a month ago before resigning with the Lightning (who had retained his rights by way of qualifying offer).

The Lightning roster should see more heavy shedding in the next few hours as certain players remain in Norfolk and other transactions are made.  The total players with the team as it stands right now is 40 after this move.

UPDATE 5:29 PM:  it appears that Carter Ashton's first taste fo the NHL is comign to an end.  Erik Erlendsson from the Tampa Tribune has tweeted that it appears Ashton will be sent back to Lethbridge of the WHL.