Leighton lauds Bryz; Laughton getting shot

Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has a big fan. His name is Michael Leighton, the guy who is Bryzgalov's backup.

Leighton, who had a solid season with the AHL Phantoms in 2011-12, said Bryzgalov "showed he can be one of the best goalies in the league" during a hot spell late in last year's regular season.

The goalies were together in Anaheim's training camp in 2006 and developed a good rapport.

"I know what kind of guy he is," said Leighton, who is returning for yet another tour with the Flyers. "I know we're going to get along good….We're going to have fun together."

Leighton, who was both the hero and goat of the Flyers' remarkable playoff run in 2010 _ they lost to Chicago in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals _ said he enjoys Bryzgalov's personality. That said, Leighton has no plans to do any astronaut training.

"No, I'll stay on planet Earth," he cracked, smiling.

Physicals. Many of the Flyers have agreed to voluntarily have physicals performed Saturday so the team can get on the ice for the opening of a six-day training camp Sunday in Voorhees, where it has the ice from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp is open to the public and free..

Laughton watch.  One of the most interesting developments in camp is whether center Scott Laughton earns a spot on the team. Laughton, 18, the team's No. 1 pick in June, appears to have a decent chance to start the season with the team because of Danny Briere's wrist injury.

Laughton, who had 32 points (13 goals) for Oshawa in the OHL this season, would be allowed to play in five games before a decision would have to be made on whether to keep him or send him back to juniors.

Stay tuned.

Foster interest. The Flyers have interest in UFA defenseman Kurtis Foster, a 6-foot-5, 226-pounder who, while with the Devils, scored two power-play goals against them in a regular-season game last season. He would give the team a rocket shot from the point.

Contact Sam Carchidi at scarchidi@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @BroadStBull.