Flyers claim former Hurricanes goalie Michael Leighton off waivers

Flyers claim former ‘Canes G Leighton off waivers

RALEIGH, N.C. — Former Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Michael Leighton has been claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Hurricanes said Tuesday Leighton cleared waivers last week and had been assigned to their AHL affiliate in Albany on Saturday.

Leighton was 1-4 with a 4.29 goals-against average in seven games this season with Carolina. He began the year as Cam Ward’s backup but became expendable when Ward was hurt and the Hurricanes signed free agent goalie Manny Legace. Ward was activated Dec. 8.

The move brings Leighton back to Philadelphia, where he went 2-2 in four games in 2006-07, and reunites him with new Flyers coach Peter Laviolette, who was with the Hurricanes when they acquired Leighton in a draft-day trade with Montreal in 2007.