Smaby Elects Arbitration

Norfolk Admirals defenseman Matt Smaby elected to file salary arbitration with the Tampa Bay Lightning, instead of accepting their qualifying tender.

Smaby, 25, appeared in 25 games with the Admirals last season, registering two goals and four assists for six points and 30 penalty minutes. He recorded four assists and 50 penalty minutes in 43 games with the Lightning last season.

Thrashers Sign Mannino

The Atlanta Thrashers, parent club of the Chicago Wolves, signed goaltender Peter Mannino to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2009-10 season.

Mannino, 25, played in all three professional divisions last season (NHL, AHL, ECHL). In 34 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Mannino posted a 17-12-2 record with a 2.94 goals against average and a .900 save %. He also appeared in three games with the New York Islanders, posting a 1-1-0 record with a 4.52 goals against average and a .885 save %.

Blue Jackets Sign Pelletier

The Columbus Blue Jackets, parent club of the Syracuse Crunch, signed forward Pascal Pelletier to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2009-10 season.

Pelletier, 26, spent last season with the Rockford IceHogs, registering 29 goals and 26 assists for 55 points in 70 regular season games. He also appeared in seven games with the Chicago Blackhawks, registering no points.

In 276 career AHL games with Rockford and Providence Bruins, Pelletier has scored 100 goals and 125 assists for 225 points and 211 penalty minutes.

Flames Sign Jaffray

The Calgary Flames, parent club of the Abbotsford Heat, signed forward Jason Jaffray to a one-year, two way contract for the 2009-10 season.

Jaffray, 28, had spent the previous four and a half seasons with the Manitoba Moose. In 56 games last season with the Moose, Jaffray recorded 23 goals and 26 assists for 49 points, helping the Moose to the Calder Cup finals.

In 300 career AHL games with Manitoba, Cleveland Barons, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Norfolk Admirals, Jaffray has recorded 105 goals and 145 assists for 250 points and 265 penalty minutes.

Penguins Sign Lee

The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, parent club of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, signed defenseman Chris Lee to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2009-10 season.

Lee, 28, spent last season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 66 games with the Sound Tigers, Lee registered six goals and 24 assists for 30 points.

In 170 career AHL games with Bridgeport, Iowa Stars, Omaha Ak-Sar Ben Knights and Albany River Rats, Lee has registered 17 goals and 59 assists for for 76 points and 98 penalty minutes.

Penguins Sign Conner

The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, parent club of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, signed forward Chris Conner to a two-way contract for the 2009-10 season.

Conner, 25, had spent his entire career in the Stars' organization. Last season in 30 games with the Peoria Rivermen, Conner registered 16 goals and 12 assists for 28 points. In 38 games with the Dallas Stars, Conner registered three goals and 10 assists for 13 points.

In 148 career AHL games with Peoria and Iowa Stars, Conner has registered 50 goals and 59 assists for 109 points and 51 penalty minutes.

Oilers Sign Minard

The Edmonton Oilers, parent club of the Springfield Falcons, signed forward Chris Minard to a two-way contract for the 2009-10 season.

Minard, 27, spent the previous two seasons with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In 54 games last season, Minard registered 34 goals and 23 assists for 56 points. He also appeared in 20 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording one goals and two assists for three points.

In 213 career AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Lowell Devils, Albany River Rats and Milwaukee Admirals, Minard has registered 98 goals and 69 assists for 167 points and 127 penalty minutes.