Samsonov re-signs with the Hurricanes

Sergei Samsonov, the Eastern Conference's version of Ladislav Nagy, resigned with Carolina for 3 years and $7.6M. For the Hurricanes, who claimed Samsonov off re-entry waivers from the Blackhawks, it's going to cost them an extra $770K per year to retain the heretofore underachieving wing's services. But it's actually $1M less than Samsonov made this season.

Samsonov hasn't lived up to his potential since the lockout and has played for five different clubs in the last three seasons. He was scheduled to become an UFA on July 1, but smartly took a reduced paycheck from Carolina before the team could come to its senses.

If Samsonov indeed returns to being a first line winger, then it's a steal of a deal by GM Jim Rutherford. But hockey fans, particularly those in Montreal, are rightfully skeptical.