Hurricanes Claim Samsonov Off Re-Entry Waivers

[Smerri1029]

The Carolina Hurricanes have claimed forward Sergei Samsonov off re-entry waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Samsonov has appeared in 23 of Chicago's games without scoring a goal. He has four assists, and a minus-seven plus-minus rating. He was acquired last June from Montreal for Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen.

Samsonov is under contract for US$3.525 million this season and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

With the move, the Blackhawks are responsible for half of Samsonov's remaining salary - about $800,000 for the balance of this season that counts against the cap. Carolina is responsible for the other half.

He was the eighth player selected in the 1997 entry draft by Boston and won the Calder Trophy in the 1997-98 season when he scored 22 goals and added 25 assists in 81 games.

He made the all-star team as a Bruin in 2000-01 when he racked up a career-best 75 points, including 29 goals.

His career started a downward spiral when he signed with the Montreal Canadiens as a free agent in the summer of 2006. He had just nine goals and 17 assists in 63 games with Montreal and was a healthy scratch for 18 games in 2006-07. He was in the press box for the last 13 games of the season, after he publicly questioned whether he made the right move in signing with the Canadiens.

Source

[Isles4life]

Wow, I figured he would have already gotten picked up if anyone was going to do it. Maybe yet another change of scenery will help this guy do something productive. He used to be a solid top 6 forward.

[Corpse]

I think this is a good move. they potentially get a decent player if he can turn it around for cheap. Maybe he just needs a change of scenery.

[Humpzilla]

Just another example of a ***** NHL club, taking a lackadaisical Euro hack over what could consistently be a heart & soul player like Trevor Gillies or Wade Brookbank in the lineup every night.

[Podollan]

Oh no why the canes?

[canuckfan]

With Justin Williams out for the rest of the season, and Matt Cullen out with a concussion, the Hurricanes offense has dried up a little over the past month or so - Staal and Whitney are having a good year, but Brind'Amour has faded off a bit and so has Stillman. Carolina needs more goal scoring, and Samsonov adds some depth up front and could help jumpstart a few of these guys.

Possibly a smart pickup by the Hurricanes, but don't hold your breath!

[bengino]

he couldn't get together while with the Habs or with the Blackhawks... i definitely would not be holding my breath over him turning it around.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

Yea.. good riddance.
I just pissed the Hawks have to pick up portions of his salary.

[OriginalSix]

Biggest waste of $800k for the Blackhawks. I was never expecting much to begin with.

[Canes13]

Originally Posted by Humpzilla

Just another example of a ***** NHL club, taking a lackadaisical Euro hack over what could consistently be a heart & soul player like Trevor Gillies or Wade Brookbank in the lineup every night.

Maybe you're behind on your news, but Wade Brookbank is with the Canes now and has played every game since his call up, and they are letting him do his job. Two fights in the last two games, and I know for a fact that I watched him challenge Tim Jackman but Jackman wouldn't go. Samsanov is just filling in for one of the IR players so that no one is traded.

[Orr=God]

samsonov is a lazy europu$$y russian who doesnt belong near nhl ice except as a puck boy. he used to be so good but his work ethic is none to impressive.

[Jensen]

I honestly don't see the point in this for the 'Canes. Why not keep up Brandon Nolan? Samsonov has proven himself that he is no longer an NHL calibre player. I know Nolan might not be either, but at least give him more than a game or two in the NHL.

[Ciccarelli]

Samsonov was a good player in Edmonton during the playoffs not so long ago. He had a bad season last year in Montreal, but there are a lot of players that have bad seasons there, he was signed by Chicago and didn't fit in there either. He is still only 29 years old and deserves another shot in the NHL, maybe under Peter Laviolette and his game plan he can again show what he is worth.

[Killah_punk]

Is this his last chance? Montreal, Boston, and Chicago all didnt work out for him, how many chances will he get?

[fansince65]

Samsonov former calder trophy winner.. only twenty nine year,s old and all the talent in the world.. he has just lost his desire to play with any pasion..when this happens to a player they go through the motions and have nothing to give to a team.... best thing for him is to retire...