Leighton is back
Philadelphia Flyers news on Philly.com
Leighton is back
With the market for a backup goaltender dwindling, the Flyers brought back one of their own.
Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren mentioned Michael Leighton's name at the NHL draft, and few thought he was serious. Leighton, of course, was just coming off a 2-year, $3.1 million deal in which he played just one regular season game with the Flyers.
Now, Leighton will be Ilya Bryzgalov's backup next season. The deal, as first reported by Rogers Sportsnet’s Josh Rimer, is worth $900,000 for one year.
"I'm very happy to be back in Philly," Leighton said in a statement. "This is where I want to be and I'm excited about the team we have this year. I look forward to the opportunity to continue working with Jeff Reese."
Leighton, 31, was an AHL All-Star last season with the Phantoms. He was not even listed among the Top 6 available goaltenders by TSN on their Free Agent Frenzy show.
Since being re-acquired by the Flyers off waivers on Dec. 15, 2009, Leighton went unbeaten in regulation in his first 10 starts (Dec. 23 - Jan. 12), going 8-0-1 with a 2.16 GAA and .928 save percentage. He is 19-7-2 overall during the regular season with the Flyers.
Other backups had signed deals in recent days, including Marty Biron (Rangers) and Scott Clemmensen (Panthers), leaving only a few players on the market, like Chris Mason (Jets) and Johan Hedberg (Devils).
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If this is a move to save as much money for a deal that hasn't been completed, then I'm for it.— cjh136- OMG!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!! You have to be kidding me? Leaky? that's the best they can do for a backup. Unreal— kchaz
- It is great to see Mike back in the NHL.— Nosredna
- Whachu talkin' bout Homer?
- Great lockeroom guy, everyoone loves Leights, he was hurt last year, he will be good. Your backup has to be a guy that the boys can talk and joke around with and keep things loose. Thats Leights.BTW, Bryz will probably play over 65 games next year.— Fabulous
- He's an experienced backup and will be better suited in that roll than Bob was. I like it. Though I'd rather have Boosh back here for that roll.— vvvmetallicavvv
- Boucher is out 4-6 months — hey buddy
- LOL. the second I heard this I couldn't wait to get here and see all the madness unfold! Personally, Stanley Cup Finals aside, I actually think Leighton is a solid goalie and a competent back up. I know i'm gonna get blasted for that, he's had decent stats in his career, and despite being the goalie for that heartbreaking loss, had a real good year for us in 09-10. 16-5 with a shutout 2.48 sv% and .920 is a pretty good line. Not to mention AHL All Star last year (Albeit at 30 YO) Assuming Bryz has a better year (and im not convinced that'll happen) and stays healthy, I don't think Leighton is a terrible signing for a backup.— Neebo
- I'm I'm I'm....Typeless— rbecker1963
- So Leighton gets 10-12 starts while Brygalov starts 70 games. The Flyers better be combing the backwoods of Russia and Sweden to find the next Sergei Bobrovsky in case Bryz goes down, lest 43 year-old Dwayne Roloson gets signed to an emergency contract. Or Marty Turco. Good grief!— schultz08
- Great. Now they'll have the two worst goalies in the league. Like rotten peas & carrots.— Jerome99RIP
- I get tired of hearing statements as completely incorrect as this from people who pretend to be fans but truly don't know their arse from a hole in the ground... Jerome, you really need to just pound a heaping helping of shut the hell up. You're a moron. I'm used to the general whining about players in here. But you should just end it now. It's what's best for everyone...
- Hey FlyerFan4Life and PhillyBoyinNYC: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!— snipesmorris
- Snipes + Hexy4GM + Leaky = ♥♥♥XOXOXO♥♥♥
Leaky at his best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdyeGehRudQ - Leaky? Just a stunningly stupid move. A 31-year-old minor league goalie who many think cost us a Cup. And they pay him more than the league minimum! A guy no other team would touch.— eagle1971
