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SCOTT BRIGGS
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

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Randy Jones didn't think anything could top the Pearl Jam concert he watched Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

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The Canadian Press

Randy Jones

That was until he woke up Thursday to a text message that read, 'Enjoy the weather in L.A.'

Shortly after skimming those wonderful words, the 28-year-old defenceman from Quispamsis learned the Los Angeles Kings had claimed him off re-entry waivers.

"I'm thrilled,'' said Jones, who's scheduled to fly to L.A. today. "They have a good young team. I'm going there with a smile on my face.''

A salary cap casualty at the start of this season, Philadelphia decided Jones' contract was too expensive for a player they didn't consider a top-four defenceman, particularly after the signing of former Saint John Flames forward Blair Betts and the decision to keep rookie James van Riemsdyk.

The Flyers waived Jones prior to the season and re-assigned him to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Adirondack Flyers. He was placed on re-entry waivers by the Flyers on Wednesday for the purpose of recalling him to Philadelphia.

Simon Gagne needs surgery to repair two small hernias in his right groin and will go on long-term injured reserve, which gave the Flyers enough cap space to place Jones on re-entry waivers. Jones, who reportedly carries a $2.75 million cap hit, would have joined the club today had he cleared waivers. But the Kings claimed him and he's hoping to suit up for their game Monday night in Phoenix.

"When you're on a team, you don't really think of playing anywhere else,'' said Jones, who debuted with the Flyers in 2003-04. "I was 100 per cent committed to playing with the Flyers, but I think L.A. will be an excellent fit for me.''

Jones appeared in 217 games for the Flyers, notching 13 goals and 69 points, along with 134 penalty minutes. A hip injury limited him to 47 NHL games last year. But surgery, rest and a rigorous off-season conditioning program had him ready and raring to go for 2009-10.

"When I first talked to the boss (Philadelphia general manager) Paul Holmgren and found out (about being waived), it was tough to take,'' Jones said. "It's not that you're overly upset with them, because you know it's a business. You're upset about the situation and about the way things happen.

"It's tough to take for a little bit, but I went to the Phantoms with a positive attitude. You have to take what's in front of you.''

Jones appeared in six games for the Phantoms this season, recording one assist and six penalty minutes. He won a Calder Cup with the Phantoms in 2005.

"I loved everything about Philadelphia,'' Jones said. "But there's a time when you have to move on and this is my time. I'm ready to take my next step in L.A.''

The Kings' defence corps includes Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson, Rob Scuderi, Sean O'Donnell, Matt Greene and Davis Drewiske. Alec Martinez was recently placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.