Mason Raymond, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent a considerable portion of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 17, 1985, in Cochrane, Alberta, Raymond's journey to the NHL began in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Camrose Kodiaks. His performance there caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Vancouver Canucks in the second round, 51st overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Raymond made his NHL debut with the Canucks during the 2007-2008 season. Known for his speed and agility on the ice, he quickly became a valuable asset to the team. His ability to maneuver through defenses and create scoring opportunities was evident early in his career. During the 2009-2010 season, Raymond achieved a personal milestone by scoring 25 goals and accumulating 53 points, marking his best statistical season in the NHL.
Throughout his tenure with the Canucks, Raymond was part of a team that consistently performed well in the regular season and made several playoff appearances. One of the highlights of his career came during the 2010-2011 season when the Canucks reached the Stanley Cup Finals. Although the team ultimately fell to the Boston Bruins in a hard-fought seven-game series, Raymond's contributions throughout the playoffs were noteworthy. Unfortunately, his performance was marred by a serious back injury sustained during Game 6 of the Finals, which affected his play and required a lengthy recovery period.
After six seasons with Vancouver, Raymond entered free agency and signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2013. His time with the Maple Leafs was marked by a resurgence in his offensive production. In the 2013-2014 season, he recorded 19 goals and 45 points, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute at a high level.
Raymond's career continued with a stint at the Calgary Flames, where he signed a three-year contract in 2014. However, his time with the Flames was less consistent, and he found himself moving between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL) as the team sought to balance its roster. Despite these challenges, Raymond remained a respected figure in the locker room and a mentor to younger players.
In 2016, Raymond's NHL journey took him to the Anaheim Ducks, although his time there was brief. He played only four games with the Ducks before being placed on waivers and subsequently assigned to their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. This marked the end of his NHL career, as he did not return to the league after the 2016-2017 season.
Following his departure from the NHL, Raymond continued to play professionally, joining SC Bern in the Swiss National League. His international experience added another chapter to his career, allowing him to continue playing the sport he loved while experiencing a different style of hockey.
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