It’s a poorly-kept secret that the Philadelphia Flyers are looking for more stability from the backup goalie position.
Cal Petersen had the opportunity to provide the Flyers with that but came up short. Felix Sandstrom performed well in his first real opportunity, but it is consistency that matters most to the Flyers at this time of year.
According to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Flyers were or are willing to reunite with a former friend.
Former Flyers goalie Martin Jones, now plying his trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, might end up back in Philadelphia if put on waivers by the Maple Leafs. Toronto just got rookie standout Joseph Woll back and have managed to rehab incumbent starter Ilya Samsonov back into form.
In his latest “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman wrote that, “Toronto is keeping Martin Jones off waivers because of the Flyers.”
Friedman also noted, “Something to keep an eye on: does Philadelphia add an inexpensive goalie or forward to boost themselves? I could see Daniel Briere and Keith Jones considering it, something to reward the players who’ve given their all. It would go over huge in the room.”
For the Flyers, nothing would be more inexpensive than adding Jones on waivers for free. At this time, though, adding Jones would likely cause them to have to put Sandstrom on waivers again, unless John Tortorella and Co. opt to carry three goalies through the postseason.
Although Jones wasn’t overly impressive in his one and only season in Philadelphia, the ex-Flyers goalie has been rock-solid for the Maple Leafs this season. In 20 appearances for Toronto this year, Jones is 11-7-1 with a 2.71 GAA, a .907 save percentage, and two shutouts.
It’s worth noting that, if Jones hits the waiver wire, he will do so with only three NHL starts since Jan. 20. The 34-year-old has won each of his last two starts.
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