Flyers Bringing Back Leighton For Two More Years

They explored the possibility of bringing in Evgeni Nabokov and they made a failed play for Marty Turco. But at the end of the day, the Philadelphia Flyers chose to stick with the man they already had. General Manager Paul Holgren got Michael Leighton's signature on the dotted line of a new two-year, $3.1 million contract that will see the 29-year old netminder remain the club's No. 1 option between the pipes. He will earn $1.5 million next year and $1.6 million in 2011-12, with an annual cap hit of $1.55 million.

Generally a journeyman goalie before hitting Philly, Leighton emerged as a playoff hero for the Flyers as he backstopped them to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1998. Being pulled twice in against the Chicago Blackhawks during that series placed some doubt on the organization about whether it was wise to bring him back as its starter. But after looking into Nabokov, who is determined to test the free agent market, and having a three-year, $6 million offer turned away by Turco, the Flyers stuck with the immediate option.

Leighton is undoubtedly a cheaper option, which was key for the Flyers since they didn't want to shed too much payroll on a netminder. But there is still some speculation that the Flyers might not be done looking for options between the pipes, even with two other goalies already signed - Brian Boucher and Johan Backlund. TSN's Bob McKeznie believes Martin Biron could find his way back into Philadelphia, or that the Flyers could take a shot at dealing for Tim Thomas from Boston if they're willing to part with a high-priced talent on their own roster. That would mean Leighton would either become a backup option for the Flyers, or be part of a package going elsewhere in a trade.