Flyers Claim Goalie Leighton Off Waivers from Hurricanes

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have claimed goaltender Michael Leighton off re-entry waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. Leighton's cap hit to the Flyers will be $200,000 since he was claimed off re-entry waivers. In seven games with the Hurricanes this season, he has posted a 1-4-0 record with a 4.28 GAA and a .848 save percentage. This will be his second stint with the Flyers. With Ray Emery sidelined for six weeks with an abdominal tear, the Flyers had been rumored in the market for a goaltender. The move is very cost-friendly for the Flyers, who are very close to the salary cap, but I'm not so sure Leighton will be very effective for the Flyers. Sure he will provide some experience in goal, but he hasn't been that impressive over the past few seasons, let alone played very much. According to a report this afternoon, the Montreal Canadiens had offered goaltender Jaroslav Halak to the Flyers, but the Flyers rejected the offer and opted to go for Leighton instead. The Canadiens were rumored interested in either a top-six forward or a second round draft pick. While trading for Halak would have been a better choice, the Flyers likely did not want to part with a forward or high draft pick, and instead, gave up nothing to land Leighton. While he was the cheapest option for the team, I have my doubts that Leighton will be effective for the Flyers and it would not surprise me if they start looking for another goalie in a couple of weeks. They should have traded for Halak instead.