Yet, with Saturday's opener against the visiting New York Rangers approaching, the speedy Sbisa is still in camp, and the Flyers are seriously considering him for a spot - an uncommon development for an 18-year-old defenseman in the NHL.

"To be honest, I never thought I'd be here at the end," the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Sbisa said after the team practiced yesterday at Army's rink. "I've worked hard, and I'm happy to be here . . . but I know they can still send me back to juniors."

Flyers coach John Stevens raved about Sbisa's size, strength and composure again yesterday. Stevens said he and management will have "some long discussions" in the next few days before deciding if Sbisa starts the season with the club.

"And we're still waiting on the health of a couple guys, too, so all those things will be considered," Stevens said, referring to defensemen Randy Jones (hip) and Ryan Parent (shoulder), who are recovering from injuries but skated at yesterday's practice. "But he's obviously made quite an impression by the fact he's still here. . . . I think this experience, whether he stays or not, will be invaluable for him as we move along."

The Flyers yesterday announced that defenseman Danny Syvret and right-winger Andreas Nodl were assigned to the Phantoms, their AHL affiliate. That leaves the Flyers with eight defensemen; they figure to keep seven or eight. (Lasse Kukkoken and Sbisa are probably Nos. 7 and 8.)

The Flyers could keep Sbisa on their roster for as many as nine games and then send him to juniors. If he's on the roster for 10 games or more, he must be on it for the entire season. (Because of his young age, he cannot be sent to the Phantoms.)

"We just have to make sure we're doing the right thing for him and the right thing for us," Stevens said. "And, again, our health is a factor."

Sbisa, who signed a three-year entry-level contract for $875,000 per season last week, said he tries not to think about whether he will make the team. Instead, he concentrates on what he can control - playing hockey.

Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn said Sbisa plays with poise beyond his years.

"I remember when I just got drafted and was in my first camp, it's no easy thing at all," he said. "I'm sure lots of guys struggle a little, but he's been going right at it with a full head of steam."

Spectrum finale

About 1,000 tickets remain for tonight, and 500 tickets are left for Saturday's regular-season opener.