Chris VandeVelde has defied the odds and has secured a spot for himself on the Philadelphia Flyers roster. "No one knew much about him," writes Tim Panaccio, Flyers insider for CSNPhilly.com. "No one gave him much of a chance. No one thought he'd last this long, either." But, Panaccio continues, "unless another bomb drops from the Flyers' front office, the 26-year-old has won the vacant spot at left wing over Austrian Michael Raffl and Phantom/Flyer Tye McGinn." General manager Paul Holmgren said VandeVelde's one advantage over Raffl, who has played his entire career in Europe, was North American experience -- 38 games in the NHL with Edmonton; 194 in the AHL. Flyers assistant GM Ron Hextall discovered VandeVelde, who played college hockey with Hextall's son, Brett, at North Dakota. For fantasy purposes, leave VandeVelde alone. At least, for now. He might ended up surprising everyone again, but he'll be relegated to fourth-line status at the outset.

Chris Vande Velde has been very good at Philadelphia's training camp and he appears to be in the mix for a roster spot. He is competing with Scott Laughton and Michael Raffl to start the season with the Flyers. Vande Velde signed an AHL contract with the Phantoms last Friday and he's been used a great deal on the penalty kill at camp.

Chris Vande Velde has agreed to a one-year, AHL contract with the Adirondack Phantoms. The Phantoms are the AHL affiliates of the Philadelphia Flyers. Vande Velde has a goal and three points in 28 career NHL contests.

Chris Vande Velde has been sent to the AHL by the Edmonton Oilers. Vande Velde has no points in 11 Oilers games this season. He also has two goals and 10 points in 38 AHL contests in 2012-13.

Chris Vande Velde was signed by EDM on Saturday February 16.

Chris Vande Velde was called up from the minors on Tuesday February 12.

Chris Vande Velde was called up from the minors on Saturday February 9.

Chris Vande Velde has been sent to AHL Oklahoma City. "We see Chris Vande Velde as potential depth at center and on the penalty kill, a guy who brings some size," Oilers coach Ralph Krueger said. Vande Velde has a goal and eight assists in 31 AHL games this season.

Chris Vande Velde has agreed to a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Vande Velde had seven goals and 16 assists in 68 AHL games last season. He has a goal and three points in 17 career NHL contests.

Chris Vande Velde has been called up by the Edmonton Oilers. Vande Velde has 22 points and 33 penalty minutes in 65 games with the AHL Oklahoma City Barons this season. He might make his NHL season debut on Sunday.