The Philadelphia Flyers announced Wednesday that they have re-signed goaltender Michael Leighton to a two-year deal worth $3.1 million dollars. The Flyers locked Leighton up before he became an unrestricted free agent on Thursday. "For me, I just think I fit well with this team," Leighton said. "The success we had this year, I think this is a great team again. I'm confident we're going to have a good season and whether it's me starting or not, I want to win a Stanley Cup one day and I think this is my best shot at winning one, whether it's on the bench or playing."
This should put an end to the Flyers' quest for a new goaltender. The team still has Brian Boucher signed for one more year, and they signed Johan Backlund to a two-year extension earlier in the month.
The Flyers decided to stick with the 29-year-old Leighton after reportedly showing interest in both Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco, in what would have been sign-and-trade deals. There were also rumors that the Flyers might try to bring back Martin Biron, who played for Philadelphia from 2006-09 and is set to become a free agent from the Islanders, but Leighton's deal likely closes the book on that possibility.
The Flyers acquired Leighton last December off waivers when the Carolina Hurricanes gave up on the journeyman goalie.
At that point Leighton reclaimed his starting spot and led the Flyers to a Game 5 victory over Boston, saving 14 of 14 shots. He was superb throughout the Flyers' Eastern Conference championship run, posting a 6-1 record as a playoff starter prior to the Stanley Cup Finals.
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