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Leighton on Re-Entry...Scouts Tell Me His Bad Back Likely Scares Off Teams.

April 5, 2011, 1:14 PM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
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The Flyers have called up Michael Leighton...we saw this coming, but now the question is "Will he Clear?" Scouts who have followed Leighton's have been telling me his back injury has really been a "slow go of it" and a few even question if he can really play at the NHL level again.

So I definitely would be slow to say the Flyers are going to make him the #1 guy any time soon. I also wouldn't call this move "desperation." The Flyers were going to call Leighton up at some point, but doing so now means they may want to see him in action in the regular season..

The Flyers struggles haven't been completely goaltending related, but here's the thing... For a team to win a Stanley Cup they will need a goalie to steal a game or two, and it has been a long time since either Bobrovsky or Boucher has stolen a game. Leighton doesn't get the call to be the starter. However, I would be shocked if he didn't see some action in the final three games....and Laviolette has quite the decision to make here...

Let's look at the options..

On Bob...

Bobrovsky is a great young goalie. However, young Russian goalies aren't used to playing this many games and Bob is showing signs that he is slowing down. It's not always about being physically tired, but goalie in the NHL is mentally exhausting...especially for a kid.

And Bob is a kid. When he is hot, he is hot. He is lightning fast, and stays up to challenge shooters...but what I don't love about Bob's game right now is when he lets in a bad goal (especially an early bad goal) he tends to try and over play the position. He moves too far from side to side and is especially vulnerable to shots up high by committing to go down too early.

And NHL teams have been scouting him all year and players are picking up on this. As I have said a million times..all goalie's have a weaknesses and NHL players will eventually find them. It is because of this we see "sophomore slumps" as common in goal. In most cases it's not about the goalie playing worse in his second season and more about the NHL figuring him out. The great goalies are the ones who can overcome their weaknesses.

On Boucher...

Boucher has had a hell of a year and would probably be my starter in the playoffs. What you get in Boucher is years of experience and a solid history of being a big game goalie. Boucher plays into the Flyers strengths and the theory that "All you need is a goalie who won't let in a bad goal."

Against certain teams, Boucher can also dominate. He deserves the shot this year. Boucher's weakness is perceived to be that he isn't as fast post to post as Bob. While Boucher doesn't have Bob's quickness he is such an experienced and quick goalie you can play him and feel comfortable...He may steal a game for you...as he did last year against NJ in the opening round.

On Michael Leighton....

If he was healthy Leighton may be an interesting option. He is quick and mentally as solid as it comes. Few goalies can go through what Leighton has gone through this year and just step into the lead role if called upon. Mentally, Michael Leighton can do it. The question mark will be his health. For weeks now people have been telling me the injury is still a bit touchy and there is a real question as to whether or not he can be the same goalie he was.

So will he be picked up on re-entry?

Many people feel he will could be claimed because at half price Leighton is a solid 800k backup for next season. However, the scouts I talk to are all VERY aware that Leighton's back is a HUGE question mark which will scare off teams. There was a point the Rangers were a likely candidate to snag him...if for no other reason than to keep him away from the Flyers and get a cheap backup for next year.

But talking to scouts....there are more than a few who tell me unfortunately Leighton's back won't be able to hold up at the NHL level...probably ever.

Coming Up...

"What's Right, Wrong, and Needs to Happen with the Toronto Maple Leafs?"
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