Michael Leighton knew going into the season that no matter how well he played, even if he was the best goalie in the American Hockey League, it probably wouldn't change anything.

Knowing that is one thing. Actually being the best goalie in the AHL is another.

Acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes from the Montreal Canadiens in June, the 26-year-old Albany River Rats goalie leads the AHL in goals-against average (1.97), save percentage (.935) and shutouts (five).

Still, the Hurricanes are committed to John Grahame as Cam Ward's backup. Even though Grahame has struggled recently, allowing 18 goals in his past three starts, his $1.6 million salary assures him of a roster spot. But Grahame will be a free agent this summer, and there could be a job open in Carolina.

"I knew the situation," Leighton said. "I knew I was the No. 3 guy and I'd play a lot of games in the [AHL]. I just want to focus on playing well and hopefully something will happen next year."

While Leighton started the year 5-8-1, but the record had more to do with Albany's offense than Leighton's goaltending. He even shared a shutout with Kevin Nastiuk, who got the win.

Now that the River Rats have started to score a little more, Leighton has gone 5-1-1 in seven appearances.

While they may not be calling his number, the Canes have noticed.

"He started off the year very impressively," said Tom Barrasso, the Hurricanes' director of goalie development. "No bad goals, no poor play of any kind, really, for the first month and a half of the season. It was a really impressive stretch of goaltending to go that long without giving up any bad goals. ...

"He's really trying to make sure he has the opportunity to play in the NHL next year."

Leighton spent time with four different organizations last season -- he was claimed on waivers three times -- before the Canes gave up a seventh-round pick for him at the draft.

He already has set an Albany franchise record for shutouts and is two short of his career high. Based on the goalie situation in Carolina, he'll have plenty of chances to break it.

"It's something I knew would happen and I had to accept it," Leighton said. "There's no sense getting down and hanging your head. You just have to try to be the best goalie in the AHL."

So far, he is.

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