mace

[puckhogg]

from puckrakers

The Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Steve Mason to a two-year, $5.8 million contract extension, a deal that will be announced later today. It was first reported by TSN's Bob McKenzie.

[puckhogg]

tsn.......

Sources tell TSN that Columbus Blue Jackets' netminder Steve Mason has agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension worth $5.8 million.

Mason will earn $2.6 million for the first year of the deal and $3.2 million in the second for an average annual value of $2.9 million.

The 22-year old Mason struggled mightily in his sophomore season after a stellar rookie campaign that saw him capture the Calder Memorial trophy.  This past season the Oakville, Ontario native saw his numbers dip across the board, posting a .901 save percentage and a 3.06 goals against average.

Originally a third-round pick, 69th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Mason helped Canada capture gold at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.

[jackets 4 life]

good news.this means that he must have done something to give Howson the confidence it takes for him to invest in a player. good sign in my mind. now he has to prove himself and show that this somewhat of a risk was well worth taking

[CORUPTWJ]

This is a good deal for both sides.  I do believe Mason will come back with a good part of his rookie year form and he will help lead us onto the playoffs again this season.  Lets just hope that comes through.  Now lets get an extention signed for Jake.   

[alxzanki]

Hmmm another leap of faith signing by Howson, like he did with Brassard, Voracek should be next that means.

[CraigL]

After Mason's performance last season I am surprised that they took the risk. However, I do think it was a solid sign. Mason has the potential to really add to the team.

[hidden_gem]

Voracek is a proven NHL player, arguably our 2nd or 3rd best all around player.  If you pro-rate this Mason deal, Voracek is worth about 10 mil a season 

This is worse than the Brassard deal (and it was pathetic)! At the time, it was unknown what Brassard really could do.... we have seen the body of work from Mace.  He isn't even the best goalie on the team right now!  Hate to be a nay sayer, but this is why we are a losing franchise.  Way to much money for these players, no other teams would even come close to offering this much money for these guys.  I would look for a Commodore extension soon, probably in the 5 mil a season range 

[CORUPTWJ]

I understand how many of you think that this contract is crazy.  But say Mason has another year like his rookie season, his value would be much, MUCH higher than this contact is for.  Mason said if it doesn't happen before the end of training camp, he didn't want to even talk about it until after the season is over.  I think that is good because then he is worrying about it during the season.

Same thing could happen with Jake.  I won't be surprised if his is on the books before the beginning of the regular season.

[wsucorey4]

I think that this contract is fair for both parties involved. Nobody on the team had stellar seasons last year. You have to keep in mind the strides that these young players made in the end of the season (Jakub, Mason, Brass...they all improved their game dramatically after Hitch was axed). In the end, I think we have a respectable goaltender who has proven that he can play at the top level of the game.

My biggest fear is defensive support for Mason under the new coaching system. Lets hope our D-men don't get too caught up in the rush and leave him out to dry.

[CanadianJacketsFan]

I like this signing, like corupt said he would be thinking about the contract all season, but now he has the money in front of him.

Now it's time for him to prove he's worth the risk Howson has taken to sign him after a horrible season.

[burnsz82]

Yeah I'm kind of "up in arms" over this signing...I love watching Mase, and I do blame a lot of his struggles last year on our defense.  Specifically, the turnovers in our defensive zone, I could hardly watch some games last year, but it could be a great bargain as corupt said if he keeps his GAA a ways under 3.00 and stays solid.  This team has a ton of talent, let's hope it comes full circle this year.