The competition between Erik Gustafsson and Zac Jones for the third-pair spot on the left side never quite materialized.

That is not because the 22-year-old Jones faltered in his training camp audition. The third-year pro has been fine.

Rather, it is because the 31-year-old Gustafsson has played up to his status as a six-year NHL veteran who, additionally, played last season for head coach Peter Laviolette in Washington.

The Swede entered camp as the incumbent. He has not been dislodged.