Flyers Add Leighton to Tend Goal

The Flyers tried to bolster their depleted goaltending corps by bring a former Fly Guy back to Philly.

The Flyers claimed Michael Leighton off waivers from the Hurricanes.

The 6-foot3, 186-pounder cleared waivers last week and was assigned to the Canes’ AHL affiliate in Albany on Saturday, the Hurricanes said Tuesday.

Leighton was 1-4 with a 4.29 goals-against average in seven games this season for the Hurricanes. His record is a bit excusable considering the Canes have managed a league-low 20 points through 32 games.

He began the year as Cam Ward's backup but became expendable when Ward was hurt and the Hurricanes signed free-agent goalie Manny Legace before reactivating Ward on Dec. 8.

The move brings Leighton back to Philadelphia, where he went 2-2 in four games in 2006-07, and reunites him with new Flyers coach Peter Laviolette, who was with the Hurricanes when they acquired Leighton on draft-day 2007.

Leighton is 18-35-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .896 save percentage in parts of six NHL seasons with Chicago, Philly, Nashville and Carolina.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia

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