"With Mike Smith back from a two-game conditioning stint with AHL Norfolk, the Lightning has three goaltenders on the roster, including No. 1 Dwayne Roloson and Dan Ellis.

GM Steve Yzerman said Tuesday he is hunting for a trade ahead of the Feb. 28 deadline — "I'm talking to teams every day, exploring options to see who has an interest or a need" — but might end up sending Smith or Ellis to AHL Norfolk.

"It is an option," he said. "Ideally, we want our guys playing. It doesn't do any of the guys any good to sit here not playing."

Yzerman said he is in no rush to make a move. "I'm going to let the situation evolve a little bit and see how it goes," he said.

Even so, "At some point goalies need to play," he said. "I don't want to keep guys around who aren't playing … so at some point we're probably going to have to make a decision on what we want to do."

Part of that decision could hinge on Norfolk G Cedrick Desjardins, out with a right shoulder injury and in town to consult with medical director Ira Guttentag and head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan.

Yzerman said an MRI exam showed damage. A decision on surgery might be made today. If Desjardins is out long term, it would create an opening for Smith or Ellis to fill. Both would have to clear waivers."