Flyers claim Leighton on waivers

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Flyers Thursday claimed goalie prospect Michael Leighton off waivers from Nashville.

Leighton, 25, was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 1999 NHL draft and was picked up by Nashville on waivers in November.

He played just 20 minutes for Nashville with a 6.07 goals against average, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Leighton spent most of the 2006 season with Rochester of the American Hockey League after playing for Norfolk.

Flyers General Manager Bob Clarke said Leighton would back up Antero Niittymaki and Robert Esche.