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

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Hurricanes are bringing back veteran goalie Michael Leighton. General manager Ron Francis said Wednesday that Leighton and the

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) 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.