Leighton Clears

As most expected, Leighton cleared waivers today. There was some reasonable speculation that the Isles would take him after trading Roloson and with DiPietro picking up an injury last night, but I guess when you've already folded the tents on the season, why pick up more journeymen.

Upon additional reflection of the Flyers goalie situation, I'm not sure I fully appreciated Leighton's health status.

"Upon his return, Leighton acknowledged that he is still not 100 percent while experiencing foot numbness stemming from the nerve in his back. He also conceded that he did not expect to be 100 percent at any point this season but thought he could work around that."

That's a little eye-opening. Leighton had a hard enough time getting by at 100%. Nagging injuries are enough to push a borderline player over the edge.

Holmgren can't be happy either. There's been some question about how much Leighton knew and didn't tell the Flyers about his injuries when he signed this summer, and Holmgren would be understandably bitter right now about the subject. I wouldn't say Holmgren's acting out of spite, but that history's not doing Leighton any favors right now.

Leighton can still re-emerge to the big team, but three things have to happen:

1) Boucher's play must fall off.

This is likely. As good as he's playing, Boucher is absurdly streaky. Look back to 03-04--Boucher is unprotected in the waiver draft, barely plays the first two months of the season because the team deems that he needs to work out things with the goalie coach, then in January he sets the NHL record with 5 consecutive shutouts. Anyway, he's been in the league for 11 years and with 6 teams, I think what he is (and isn't) is pretty well established by now.

2) Bobrovsky doesn't regain his early season form.

This could go either way. Bobrovsky's attitude and abilities are definitely encouraging. However, going into the playoffs you'd prefer adjectives like "confidence-inspiring" or "solid". I'd be very nervous if he is the guy--he just doesn't seem ready yet and is too prone to yielding the deflating goal.

3) Leighton has to show his stuff in the AHL

This might be the most unlikely step giving his injury concerns. He needs to be a standout on a bad team. Just not sure he's ready to do that.

The door is still open for Leighton to be back, but he's gonna have to earn it. Either way, I am pretty wary of the Flyers goalie situation this season. Not that there's much they can do about it at this point.