SAMSONOV CLAIMED OFF WAIVERS BY CAROLINA

Winger played two games with Rockford

Raleigh, N.C.-The Carolina Hurricanes have claimed forward Sergei Samsonov off re-entry waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

The winger has appeared in 23 games with Chicago. He has four assists, and a minus-seven plus-minus rating. Samsonov was acquired last June by the Blackhawks from Montreal for Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen.

Last week, Samsonov was sent to the IceHogs after clearing waivers and the winger appeared in two games with Rockford over the weekend scoring a goal. The Moscow, Russia native also accumulated an IceHogs single-game high 10 shots on goal on Saturday.

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.

Samsonov was the eighth player selected in the 1997 entry draft by the Boston Bruins and he won the Calder Trophy in the 1997-98 season after scoring 22 goals and adding 25 assists in 81 games. He also made the all-star team as a member of the Bruins in 2000-01 when he racked up a career-best 75 points, including 29 goals.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 11 vs. Toronto Marlies. Game time is 7:30 p.m. The first 1,000 fans 21-and-older to the game will pick up an IceHogs Jersey Koozie from Bud Light and WTVO-TV channel 17. Come and check out two of the top teams in the AHL do battle at the MetroCentre.