According to Rogers’ Sportsnet, the Flyers have signed Michael Leighton to a two-year, $3.1 million deal. The Flyers have announced the deal. The move keeps him off of the free agent market tomorrow, and we should’ve expected this to come down at some point today.
It’s a cap-friendly deal, as Leighton comes in with a cap hit of $1.55 million a season, but Leights gets a very nice raise from the 600k he made last season (and of which the Flyers paid about 30 cents).
Does this signing spell the end of the Flyers hopes of signing another goaltender in free agency? Not quite. The Flyers could still go after a free agent goalie to be their starter, buy out or trade Brian Boucher and have Leighton serve as their backup.
We’re told the Flyers think the price for free agent goalies will be lower than reported and that they plan on going after somebody come Thursday afternoon. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen, but the news of Leighton’s re-signing does not necessarily mean he’ll be the starter in Pittsburgh on October 7.
It does, however, likely spell the end of Brian Boucher’s days in Flyer orange.
What role should Leighton play next season with the Flyers?
| Starter | 134 |
| Backup | 384 |
