Alex Semin waived by Canadiens after being frequent healthy scratch

The Canadiens have placed Alexander Semin on waivers after the enigmaticforward failed to re-ignite his NHL career in Montreal.

Semin, who signed a one-year contract worth $1.1 million US last July 24, had just a goal and three assists in 15 games this season.

A frequent healthy scratch, the Canadiens signed the 31-year-old winger after the Carolina Hurricanes bought out the final three years of his contract that paid Semin $7 million annually.

If the Russian is not claimed off waivers, Montreal could assign him to the St. John's Ice Caps of the American Hockey League.

In the minors, Semin would only count $250,000 against the Habs' salary cap.

Once a 40-goal scorer and with seven seasons of over 20 goals on his resume, Semin sputtered with six goals and 19 points last season.

He was in his 11th NHL season after Washington drafted him 13th overall in 2002.