Flyers waive goalie Leighton

The Flyers on Monday placed goaltender Michael Leighton on waivers, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.

Leighton, who had back surgery in October, returned to action just recently and allowed four goals in his first game this season. He had a 2.48 goals-against average last season in leading the Flyers to the Stanely Cup Finals.

Leighton has a two-year contract for $3.1 million. If he passes unclaimed through waivers, Leighton could be assigned to the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Adirondak Phantoms.

Then, if the Flyers recall him, other teams may claim Leighton on reentry waivers for half his contract price.

Leighton made his first regular-season appearance with the Flyers on Dec. 30 against Los Angeles since he allowed two soft goals - including Patrick Kane's overtime winner - in the decisive sixth game of last season's Stanley Cup Finals against Chicago.

After being plucked off reentry waivers from Carolina last season, Leighton had a strong regular season and contributed three shutouts against Montreal in the conference finals.

Leighton played in two preseason games in September this season and had back surgery on Oct. 11. He rehabbed briefly with the Phantoms and had been restlessly waiting to play for the Flyers.