The Philadelphia Flyers made their first splash of the Free Agency Season signing goaltender Chris Mason to a 5 year contract. Chris Mason was a the backup goaltender in Philadelphia last season until the trade deadline when he was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers as Chris Mason had expressed his desire to test the market early. He returns to Philadelphia having picked a 600% salary increase.
GM Bo Siemsen ”We are very happy to see Chris Mason return to us. This summers group of Free Agents held 3 good starting goalies – getting one of them was essential to our organisation. Domenic Hasek chose the Oilers for the money, Belfour chose Chicago … for the weather or something … and finally we secured the signature of Chris Mason at 3 million per year. Eventhough we made bids for all 3 we feel Chris Mason is definitely the right man for us. He showed last season that he can play as a starting goaltender and he could be the long-term solution for us and that is reflected in the 5 year deal we offered him. Both Hasek and Belfour are extremely capable goalies, but they’ve barely got 1 year left while Chris Mason as a ”young” goalie at 31 is only just entering his prime. We are happy that we got our man.”
Mathieu Garon will serve as backup to Chris Mason.
Other news:
- The Flyers have re-signed UFA Nathan Dempsey to a 3 year contract. The veteran will start the season with the Phantoms where he will serve as a reserve for call-up duty.
- The Flyers has signed this years 1st round draft pick Sam Gagner to an entry level contract. The young center will be given a serious look in pre-season to evaluate if he is ready for the big league already.
- The Flyers have indicated that veterans Mike York and Bryan Berard will start the season with the Phantoms.