Center Hamilton returns to Canes

RALEIGH -- Jeff Hamilton will get a second chance with the Carolina Hurricanes after he cleared waivers Monday and was recalled to the NHL.

Hamilton had been sent to Albany (AHL) on Feb. 26 after recording 19 points in 52 games with the Canes and sitting out as a healthy scratch for 13 games. At the time, given his waiver situation, that appeared to be his final destination this season.

But with Matt Cullen (head) out indefinitely and Rod Brind'Amour (knee) out for the season, Hamilton gives the Hurricanes another center. Hamilton had three goals and six assists in nine games with Albany, where his professional attitude received rave reviews.

The Canes sent Pat Dwyer, who was called up Saturday but did not play in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators, back to Albany on Monday. Joe Jensen, who was called up with Dwyer, will remain with the team as the Canes prepare for back-to-back games at the Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday and Florida Panthers on Thursday.

Cullen, though, hasn't been around the team for two days and has visited a specialist after a recurrence of the concussion-type symptoms he has suffered off and on since he was injured Dec. 26. Cullen has missed 17 of Carolina's past 36 games.

There is, however, good news for the Canes on the injury front.

Wade Brookbank (leg) took part in Monday's optional practice and expects to be able to play Wednesday. In addition, Chad LaRose skated Sunday for the first time since he broke his left leg on Feb. 5.

"It's very exciting," LaRose said. "I was only out there for 10-15 minutes, and I lift my left leg to shoot so I can shoot pucks all day. But it's great to be moving forward."