Crackers waived, Leighton called.

On Thursday, the Hurricanes placed Matt Cullen (concussion), David Tanabe (concussion) and Scott Walker (knee) on the injured reserve list. They have recalled forwards Keith Aucoin and Brandon Nolan from Albany. More on that here.

Aucoin has two assists in six games of NHL action this season, and Nolan has one assist in two games.

They made another, much more newsworthy move this morning when they waived struggling goaltender John Crackers Grahame and called Michael Leighton up.
Leighton had a really good training camp here and has been crushing it in Albany. He's been the best goaltender in the entire AHL, posting five shutouts, a GAA of 2.14 and a save percentage of .928.

Contrary to what I have suggested on this page and in some of my spoken commentary, Leighton DOES NOT have to clear re-entry waivers. He makes $100k at the AHL level, which exempts him from re-entry waivers. Here's some information about re-entry waivers as per the new CBA. Thanks to Luke's article for the tip.

I never liked Grahame, and I'm not sad that he's on waivers. I'm excited that Leighton is getting a shot.