Another big piece of the Checkers’ early-season success is returning, as the Hurricanes have assigned netminder Michael Leighton to Charlotte.

The veteran goalie has spent the last few weeks backing up Cam Ward in Carolina, going 2-1-0 in three appearances. Most recently he relieved Ward in Carolina’s come-from-behind victory over Vancouver last night.

Prior to his NHL recall, Leighton was off to an impressive start with the Checkers, logging a 1.78 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage in 11 games, both of which rank third in the AHL.

A veteran of over 600 pro games, Leighton holds the all-time shutouts record for the AHL and ranks in the league’s top 10 for all-time wins. The netminder’s last appearance for Charlotte came last week when he joined the club for one game, helping them pick up a point in an overtime loss to Bakersfield, before returning to Carolina.