Hurricanes bring back Michael Leighton on 1-year, 2-way deal

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes are bringing back veteran goalie Michael Leighton.

General manager Ron Francis said Wednesday that Leighton and the team have agreed on a one-year, two-way contract that will pay the goalie $700,000 at the NHL level or $250,000 in the minor leagues.

Leighton, 35, spent parts of three seasons with the Hurricanes from 2007-09 and was 8-12-2 with a 3.20 goals-against average in 29 games. He went 8-3 during the 2010 postseason with Philadelphia and helped the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup final.

The move gives the Hurricanes three experienced goalies in the system -- Cam Ward, Eddie Lack and Leighton.

Francis says Leighton "gives our organization reliable depth in goal" and says he will be a valuable mentor for the younger goalies.