The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have come to terms on a contract extension with 25-year-old goalkeeper Steve Mason of Oakville, Ontario. The deal is believed to be for three more seasons at $4.1 million per year for a total of $12.3 million.Mason’s current contract pays him $1.5 million for this season and he signed it late last season after the Flyers acquired him in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mason would have been eligible for free agency at the end of this campaign.
In 36 games with Philadelphia so far this season he has a record of 19-11-5 along with a goals-against average of 2.48 and a save percentage of 91.7. The Flyers dealt for him last April in a trade that saw goaltender Michael Leighton head to Columbus.
The Flyers also had to give up a third-round selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Mason played in seven games for Philadelphia late last season and posted a 4-2-0 record with a goal-against average of 1.90 and a 94.4 save percentage.
His record this season has shown that he wasn’t just a flash in the pan last year. He has emerged as the Flyers' No. 1 goaltender this term with veteran Ray Emery being designated to the backup role.
Mason enjoyed one of the best rookie seasons in NHL history for a goalie back in 2008-09 with the Blue Jackets. He won 33 games and earned 10 shutouts to go along with his 2.29 goals-against average and 91.6 save percentage.
Mason’s performance in his rookie year helped the Blue Jackets reach the playoffs for the first and only time in the franchise’s history. He was also named as the NHL’s rookie of the year and was awarded for it by taking home the Calder Trophy.
Mason has never reached those lofty heights again since his rookie season, but he has been a steady performer. Mason lost his starting job in 2012-13 after the Blue Jackets acquired Sergei Bobrovsky in a trade with the Flyers.
When Mason inked his new deal with Philadelphia today, he had played a total of 275 career NHL regular season games. His record was 119-112-32.
He also had a 2.82 goals-against average and a 90.6 save percentage to accompany his 20 shutouts. He has also played in four career playoff games and lost them all with Columbus. His postseason goals-against average is 4.26 and his save percentage is 87.8.
Mason was chosen in the third round of the 2006 draft with the 69th overall pick. He played his junior hockey in Canada in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights and the Kitchener Rangers.
Flyers head coach Craig Berube said he’s happy to have Mason under contract for a few more seasons and is confident the goalie can help the club return to the playoffs this season.
The Flyers were in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 53 points when Mason’s signing was announced. However, they were just two points ahead of ninth place.
