Flyers Notes: Jones is waived, opening cap space

As expected, the Flyers placed high-priced defenseman Randy Jones on waivers yesterday, opening cap space that will enable them to keep some young players on their opening-night roster.

Jones earns $3 million and has a $2.75 million cap hit.

"It was a difficult decision," general manager Paul Holmgren said. "We will see what happens over the next couple of days, whether he gets claimed or not. We need to have some flexibility with our roster."

Should Jones clear waivers and be sent to the Adirondack Phantoms in the AHL, the Flyers still would be responsible for his salary, but it would not count against the $56.8 million cap.

With the move, the Flyers should be able to keep forwards James van Riemsdyk and Mika Pyorala on their roster, and defensemen Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Danny Syvret figure to make the team.

Blair Betts is expected to sign and become the fourth-line center.

- Sam Carchidi