Penguins/NHL
Archibald traded to Arizona
The Pittsburgh Penguins today acquired goaltender Michael Leighton and a 2019 fourth-round draft pick from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for forward Josh Archibald, goalie Sean Maguire and a 2019 sixth-round draft pick, the team announced.
The 2019 fourth-round draft pick acquired by the Penguins originally belonged to the Minnesota Wild.
Leighton, 36, who is signed to a two-way contract worth $650,000 at the NHL level, has made four appearances this season with Arizona, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.42 GAA. For now the Penguins say Leighton will report to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League.
Since the end of the 2010-2011 season, Leighton has appeared in just six NHL games. Leighton had played parts of three seasons with the Hurricanes from 2007-10 when Penguins GM Jim Rutherford was Carolina’s GM, so there is a familiarity there between Rutherford and Leighton.
The Penguins for the last month were interested in adding a No. 2/No. 3 type goaltender on a two-way contract to the organizational depth chart who could swing between the NHL and minors, to give the Penguins the option to send Tristan Jarry down to Wilkes Barre for stretches and get playing time.
This deal in acquiring Leighton is more to do with the Penguins not being very comfortable with Casey DeSmith as the No. 3 goaltender on the depth chart than anything else and the Penguins getting an extra draft pick they plan to trade.
In moving Archibald/Maguire and gaining Leighton, the Penguins also clear a spot on the 50-contract limit.
Archibald who arguably wasn’t given a fair shot to play this season, was a favorite of Rick Tocchet last spring and should get regular playing time in Arizona.
The Holiday Trade Freeze is tonight at 11:59 p.m.[/hide]
