Flyers claim new backup goalie Michael Leighton off waivers

Brian Boucher has a new backup in net. The Flyers, desperate for someone with more NHL goaltending experience than Johan Backlund, have claimed Michael Leighton off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. Leighton, who has played in 76 career games, will immediately step into the backup goaltending role.

If you recognize the name Michael Leighton it's because he is a former Flyer. Leighton played 4 games in net for the Flyers in their dreadful '06/'07 campaign. He has also spent time with the Blackhawks and Predators before playing for the Hurricanes for parts of the last three seasons.

This move puts to rest all of the trade rumors that had the Flyers acquiring a new goalie. Unfortunately, though, Leighton is not going to be a long-term solution for the Flyers as he is just a mediocre goaltender. He will be a $300,000 dollar cap hit that will fill in for a few games until Ray Emery is ready to come back. At that point, the Flyers will likely just waive Leighton and move on.

The only really good thing I can say about Leighton is he is better than John Grahame, who the Flyers signed a few days ago. That's really not saying much.