One day after acquiring Steve Mason from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Philadelphia Flyers reportedly have agreed to a contract extension with the goaltender.
Sportsnet and CBC are reporting Thursday that Mason will sign a one-year contract for less than the $2.9 million salary-cap number he has this season. Mason is in the final season of a two-year, $5.8 million contract and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.
The Flyers traded Michael Leighton and a third-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft to Columbus for Mason on Wednesday, and Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren told reporters after making the deal he already had discussions with Mason's agent about a new contract.
In 13 games this season, Mason is 3-6-1 with a 2.95 goals-against average and .899 save percentage. Mason has struggled since his remarkable rookie season of 2008-09, when he won the Calder Trophy and backstopped the Blue Jackets to the franchise's only Stanley Cup Playoff appearance.
However, Holmgren said he believes Mason has untapped potential.
"We like Steve as a young goalie," Holmgren said Wednesday. "We still think there's tremendous upside there. We'll bring him in and work with him and try to help him achieve his goals of becoming a better goalie, as well."
Flyers goalie coach Jeff Reese said he's looking forward to working with Mason, telling NHL.com on Wednesday, "Right now he's lost his swagger. We're going to see if we can get it back."
Reese worked with Mason extensively Thursday during the Flyers' morning skate in Toronto.
"He's only 24 years old," Reese said Wednesday. "He's got plenty of time to become a No. 1 goalie. He's not even close to his prime yet. We're excited to have him."
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