Dan LaCouture was placed on waivers this afternoon as Scott Walker was activated from the injured reserve. LaCouture will report to Albany if he isn't claimed by another team. Walker could be cleared to play in Toronto tomorrow night.
Most folk probably assumed that Pat Dwyer would be the player returned to Albany when the proper time came since he was the last player to arrive, but Dwyer kills penalties and brings more speed with his game. The coaching staff deemed that he was more effective than LaCouture, who was playing minimal time ever since his successful opening night performance.
The other River Rat recall, Dwight Helminen is sticking around a bit. This from John Forslund's Blog-
Dwight Helminen isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He has played four games and played them well. He has been impressive in the face-off circle, and picked up a goal and an assist against the Leafs. Helminen, is needed because it appears that Matt Cullen will not play again tomorrow. He is with the team, but is still nursing a groin problem and is very much a day-to-day situation.
Both Dwyer and Helminen seem to fit Coach Laviolette's system more so than LaCouture, but the Massachusetts native brought some needed toughness to the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes Insider found an interesting article about LaCouture and his struggle with alcohol. We will be keeping an eye on the winger and we wish him well.