The Columbus Blue Jackets have gotten off to a good start this week as they have announced the contract extension of their young prized possession in goal, Steve Mason. The extension is for two years at a reported (by CapGeek.com) $2.9 million per-season. Mason was headed into a contract year with the Blue Jackets, and president and general manager Scott Howson was quick to sure up his future in net.
"Steve Mason is a young goaltender with great size and athleticism and we are very pleased that we were able to agree on this contract extension," said Howson. "He is an important member of our team and we're excited that he will continue to be a significant contributor to our hockey club in the future."
Mason made his debut during the 2008-2009 season as he took the NHL by storm and dominated from the goal crease. He posted a more than impressive 33-20-7 record, 2.29 goals-against average, .916 save percentage and an NHL-leading 10 shutouts. Mason was nominated to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team, and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. On top of all of his accomplishments in his rookie campaign, he would also lead the Blue Jackets into their first ever appearance in the Playoffs where they were swept by the Detroit Red Wings.
Mason’s follow up season was nothing short of a disaster. At such a young age, holding such a tough position, it’s no wonder to me that he stumbled. The team was in disarray last year and none of the Blue Jackets failures can be put on the young goaltender. Mason went 20-26-9 with a 3.06 goals-against average, .901 save percentage and five shutouts in 58 games last year. His play was a far cry from what we saw in his first year, but the promise is still there. In Mason’s last 18 appearances he improved his numbers to 7-8-3 with a 2.57 GAA, .923 SV% and three shutouts.
Mason heads into is third NHL season after an increase in pay and job security for a team that isn't expected to do a whole lot this year. Mason's tough sophomore season should humble the young Oakville, Ontario native. His contract renewal should increase his confidence as the entire Blue Jackets organization has kept the faith in him.
Mason's contract comes in a time where general managers are investing less and less in their goaltending. Contractual story lines regarding netminders is league wide with names like Evgeni Nabokov, Carey Price, Antti Niemi, and Jose Theodore at the forefront.
Mason's contract renewal was a no-brainer for Howson as Mason is sure to be a star for many years to come.
- Kendall Grubbs
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