Wednesday morning saw the announcement that the Carolina Hurricanes have signed on Michael Leighton to a new 2-year deal, worth $1.2 million, to be the back-up for Cam Ward next season. Leighton spent the better part of the season in 2008 down in the AHL, playing for the Hurricanes' affiliate in Albany.Leighton was named the AHL's best goalie for 2008, because he posted some impressive numbers. It was those numbers and his poise while up with the big club that earned him this new deal, while former back-up, John Grahame, has now split for Europe and a better job.
Leighton shouldn't be challenged too much for the back-up job in Carolina, as the stock of young goaltending talent is fairly low for the Southeast Division team. Goaltending may be an issue that the Hurricanes will try to address in the Draft in 10 days.
| Forwards | Defense | Goaltenders |
| Eric Staal | Joe Corvo | Cam Ward |
| Ray Whitney | Frank Kaberle | Michael Leighton |
| Erik Cole | Niclas Wallin | |
| Rod Brind'Amour | ||
| Matt Cullen | ||
| Sergei Samsonov | ||
| Scott Walker | ||
| Justin Williams | ||
| Jeff Hamilton | ||
| Patrick Eaves |
The Hurricanes remain in great shape heading into the free agent season. The addition of Leighton to the mix gives the team 15 regular players at an approximate salary cap hit of $39.1 million.
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