...that's gotta be how Michael Leighton feels.
Before I get down to business, here's hoping everyone had a good holiday...whatever it might have been for you. Ok, now as promised my thoughts on Michael Leighton on waivers.
While I have heard other people refer to Leighton as a 3rd string AHL goalie (or any other AHL level insults), I have to disagree. Before you think I'm crazy, I have to add that I don't think he was ever going to be the answer to the goaltending dilemma in Philadelphia that seems to have plagued this team since the end of Hextall's first run with the team, or hell you can even go back to Pelle Lindbergh if you wanted to. Anyway, I'm already getting off track.
Everyone has to give Leighton at least some credit for the flyers turn around last season. His play was nothing short of excellent for the club from late December up until his ankle sprain. Add to that, his solid play against Boston (aside from the first 10-15 minutes of the 3rd period in game 7) and an even better performance against Montreal in the Eastern Conference finals, and I think you can agree that he at the very least, deserved a shot at being the starter for this season. Honestly, I think the Flyers were prepared to do that as a stop gap for the goalie prospects coming through the system (Sergei Bobrovsky, Nicola Riopel and Joacim Eriksson) while Boucher and Backlund would essentially be competing for the back up job. (Bleacher report said so too.)
Apparently no one told Sergei Bobrovsky he wasn't supposed to come over and play out of his mind, nor did they tell Boucher that he shouldn't be putting up some of the best numbers of his career. His current numbers, if they do not fluctuate, will be his best since 07-08 with San Jose, which were also his best over all, playing 20 or more games. Now there were a few things that lead to Leighton being waived, in my opinion, so it's time to lay it out there.
Sergei Bobrovsky: "Bob" came over for rookie camp and looked impressive. A bit raw, but showed a lot of promise. He put up respectable numbers in the KHL playing on would be the equivalent of the Islanders or Oilers. Undrafted the Flyers offered him a contract. An A+ for every part of the scouting staff for finding this kid. He comes to America, plays solid against young kids and shines in his preseason debut. The buzz is out for Bob, and he did not disappoint. Up to this point in the season, he has played very well, with only a few games where his inexperience on north american ice coming through. The future is bright for this kid.
Brian Boucher: While all eyes were on Bob, Boucher quietly went about his business, posting numbers almost as good as the young Russian phenom (is it too early for that? puck it, whatever). At this point in the season, Boucher has actually passed Bob in goals-against, and save percentage. (2.33-.917 to 2.57-.915). Bob has played 11 more games than Boucher to this point, but don't bust my balls about it, alright? He has posted numbers, playing sporadically up until recently where he has been given the bulk of the starts, all while remaining a consummate professional (watch some interviews if you don't believe me).
Given a coach who has a tendency to ride the hot goalie, it's not hard to see why Leighton couldn't crack the line up when he was finally "healthy," but I think his injuries are what ultimately got him riding the bus in Adirondack.
Apparently, Leighton hurt his back during the playoffs, but played through it...which isn't uncommon. Playoff hockey is all about bodily sacrifice in order to grab a hold of that ultimate prize. However, he never told anyone in the organization until AFTER signing his two-year contract extension. While playing in the preseason it looked like he injured himself during a game, but it turns out to be his preexisting injury which was never disclosed. Not during the playoffs, exit or entrance physicals. That is not the best way to endear yourself to your team. So the Flyers dealt with it, and thanks to Sergei Bobrovsky, the absence of Leighton is all but forgotten, except in cap space. Moreso than the initial lie, although I'm sure that is not sitting well with Paul Holmgren, the persistent numbness in Leighton's leg is the bigger concern at this point. It will effect all aspects of his play, and it showed in his few games with Adirondack during his conditioning assignment as well as his only performance with the big club this season. It's not fair to him to judge his worth to the club after only one game, one in which your club was playing sub par defense, but that's life.
While the waiving cannot be something he wanted to have happen, this isn't necessarily a bad thing for Leighton. Carrying three goalies is never a practical thing to do, as it makes for uneasiness amongst all the goaltenders, and interrupts their work schedule. Someone had to be the odd man out, and given the play of Boosh and Bob, it seems only logical that Leighton is that man. Now he will be given a chance to play and practice regularly. Plus, it won't matter how quickly he racks up the wins since the Phantoms are so far out of it, they have to climb a ladder just to remember what last place looks like. His biggest problem (aside from the obvious health issues) will be re-entry waiver wires. At approximately 700K (pro rated this year to pennies on the dollar), he will be an attractive pick up for a team looking to sure up their goaltending come playoff time. That all depends on whether or not he's even called back up. If he does get the call this season to come back, I would expect a team to take a chance on him. It worked pretty well last year, so who's to say he can't do it again?
BONUS CONTENT!!!
Now I would also like to take a chance to throw this out there
What the puck are the Islanders doing? I understand that they are 14th in the Conference and 29th in the league, but they are playing well as of late, winning 3 straight at the time of this being written, and have put some impressive wins this season. Now I understand the rebuilding process can be arduous, but the young pieces are there, and yet it seems anything that isn't bolted down in Nassau Coliseum is priced to move. Roloson, who has been arguably their best player this year, was traded for a former first round pick in Ty Wishart who has yet to play in the NHL at any form of consistent level. Yes I can understand the potential in this deal right now, but looking at his career numbers in minors/juniors, he is a minus player (-12) in the AHL, which is not a good sign, especially for a defenseman. It shouldn't be long before they're trading their empty seats to other teams for draft picks it seems. While I certainly had high hopes for this team, it seems that the wheels are quickly coming off the wagon. I liked what Garth Snow was doing, and for awhile Charles Wang seemed committed to this team, but now I'm not sure what the puck's going on over there. Well I guess we'll see at the draft when they have half the picks.
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