Flyers to Waive Jones

The Daily News has confirmed through a team source that the Flyers will indeed waive defenseman Randy Jones at some point this weekend. The move did not take place by today's noon deadline but can take place at any time, though it does not become effective until noon the following day.

Jones has been a target of speculation since he did not live up to the 2-year, $6 million extension he signed after the 2007-08 season. His $2.75 million cap hit was an expensive one for the Flyers to swallow in his hip injury-riddled campaign last season when he only played in 47 games.

"Waiver rumors are waiver rumors," Jones said after today's skate at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees. "It hasn't happened so why think about it. Until it happens, that's the only reaction I'd be able to give."

Jones added: "I'm not nervous at all. I haven't talked to [Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren] at all."

The plan would be for the Flyers to send Jones to the Phantoms, where he could play if he is not claimed by a team within 24 hours. Rumors have the New York Rangers interested in Jones' services, though they too are hamstrung by the cap.

If the Rangers – or any team – decide to take Jones on his way down to the Phantoms, they would be responsible for his entire salary for the year. If they wait and take him on re-entry waivers back into the NHL, the two teams would split Jones' cap hit for the season.

More in tomorrow's Daily News.