Flyers hold on to Jonsson

The Flyers re-signed Swedish defenseman Lars Jonsson yesterday to a one-year, two-way contract.

Jonsson likely won't start with the Flyers, but if he does, he will get a nice raise over the $450,000 he earned last season. He will be paid $600,000.

"He told us he wanted to come back," general manager Paul Holmgren said. "We challenged him. He has to show us something more to be in the NHL. He's played some good games with the Phantoms, but he needs to take that next step."

Jonsson had a high-ankle sprain to open training camp and never quite found his skates. He played in only eight games with the Flyers, contributing two assists before being reassigned to the Phantoms in December.

Also re-signed to a two-way contract was forward Riley Cote, who is expected to begin the season with the Phantoms as well.

Backup goalie Antero Niittymaki is expected to re-sign this weekend.