by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor
The Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday placed forward Ian Laperriere and goaltender Michael Leighton on injured reserve.
Laperriere is still hurting from the effects of a concussion suffered last spring, when he took a slapshot from Devils defenseman Paul Martin to the face.
Though the gritty winger returned during the Flyers' run to the Stanley Cup Finals, he has not been able to play due to lingering effects of that injury.
Earlier Wednesday, the Philadelphia Daily News also reported that Laperriere may be placed on long-term injured reserve to save the club the cap hit on his $1.2 million salary this season. In addition, the Courier-Post reported that the Flyers have suggested that Laperriere retire due to his post-concussion syndrome as well as nerve damage above his right eye, which took the full force of the shot.
The 36-year-old registered three goals and 20 points over 82 regular-season games for Philadelphia.
Leighton is on the shelf due to a back issue which cropped up during preseason play. A journeyman netminder, Leighton found a home with the Flyers last year, stepping in after injuries felled Ray Emery and Brian Boucher and going 16-5-2 with a 2.48 goals-against average in 27 regular-season games.
He was called upon in the playoffs after an injury to Boucher and went 8-3 with a 2.46 GAA and three shutouts as the Flyers advanced to Game 6 of the Finals before falling to the Blackhawks.
Philadelphia opens its 2010-11 regular season in Pittsburgh on Thursday.
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