While Stevens fell short of saying there is an open competition for the sixth defensive spot, it is clear that if [Ole-Kristian] Tollefsen, who has an NHL contract, and [Danny] Syvret, who has a two-way deal, outplay [Randy] Jones, the native of Quispamsis, New Brunswick could find himself placed on NHL waivers by the middle of next week.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren skirted around that possibility, but acknowledged center Blair Betts and left wing James van Riemsdyk have played well enough to earn NHL contracts. If that's the case, the Flyers' current salary cap cushion of $1.9 million will evaporate quickly, making Jones' salary expendable.