Hurricanes claim RW Samsonov

RALEIGH (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes have claimed right wing Sergei Samsonov on re-entry waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Hurricanes also reassigned forward Brandon Nolan to their American Hockey League affiliate.

Samsonov had four assists in 23 games with the Blackhawks before being assigned to Rockford of the American Hockey League on January 2nd. The Hurricanes are responsible for half of his more than 3.5 million dollar salary. Samsonov is in the second season of a
two-year deal.

The Blackhawks acquired Samsonov from Montreal in June in exchange for Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen. He joined Carolina for Tuesday night's game at Boston.

The team also sent Nolan back to Albany after he was recalled on an emergency basis on Jan. 3. The 24-year-old played in Carolina's games at Atlanta and St. Louis in his second stint with the team this year.