Chicago Blackhawks‘ 16th year veteran goaltender Michael Leighton(49) set the AHL career record for shutouts recently this season with his 46th through 406 games.
He signed a 1-year 2-way deal with his 1999 draft team (round 6 #165 overall) after his only season away from North America tending the cage for Donbass Donetsk of the KHL putting up outstanding numbers with a 1.74 GAA and .933 SV% in 42 contests.
Reassigned to be the #1 goalie for affiliate Rockford IceHogs he backstopped a good team into the Calder Cup Playoffs.
The 6’3″ 200 lbs. net minder was re-signed to a one-year extension by the parent club and has been doing it again with the farm club. He gets rewarded with his first NHL time since 2012/2013 for Philadelphia Flyers.
Through 2 periods of relief he would back stop 16 of 17 shots putting up phenomenal 1.54 GAA and .941 SV%, which in our minds should give him some more time, especially now with a playoff berth already in hand.
He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent for like the billionth time and will turn 35-years old soon, so it remains to be seen if he gets retained for a third straight year but we’re betting his chances are good.
Michael Leighton(39) Philadelphia Flyers
Looks who’s back in net for the Flyers, Michael Leighton(39). We called it on April 4 in our post.
He was summoned to stop the bleeding in game 5 of the series and blocked every shot except for the overtime game-winner. He’s likely to get the start in game 6.
If the Flyers pull back to win the series vs. the Sabres (currently 3-2 Buffalo) he’ll be hailed the Broad Street Playoff messiah.
Michael Leighton(49) Adirondack Phantoms
Goalie Michael Leighton(49) has seemingly taken his demotion to the AHL Phantoms in stride and playing some outstanding hockey in Glens Falls, NY.
He could very well find himself back in the Flyers‘ goaltending mix come playoff time, when the last place Adirondack wrap up their regular season schedule.