SAMSONOV SENT TO CHICAGO
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired left wing Sergei Samsonov from the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Jassen Cullimore and winger Tony Salmelainen.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
The 'Hawks see something in Samsonov, since they pursued him last summer--when he ultimately decided to sign with the Canadiens. Under coach Denis Savard, Samsonov could thrive. He should get top-six winger minuts in Chicago. Expect him to rebound accordingly.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
The Habs would have likely bought Samsonov out had they not worked out a deal with Chicago; that's how bad things became in Montreal. In fact, Samsonov was a healthy scratch down the stretch last year. Cullimore will likely be bought out by the Habs, leaving the inconsistent Salmelainen as the only return on an investment that turned into a major bust.
Fantasy impact
