 He played two more seasons in the OHL before signing an entry-level contract with the Blackhawks prior to the 2001–02 season.Leighton played two seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Norfolk Admirals before making his NHL debut on January 8, 2003.He became the first Blackhawks player to record a shutout in his debut during a scoreless tie against the Phoenix Coyotes' Zac Bierk.