Steve Mason, a Canadian goaltender, began his NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets after being drafted 69th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. His journey to the NHL was marked by a standout performance in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights and later the Kitchener Rangers. Mason's transition to professional hockey was swift, and he quickly became a central figure for the Blue Jackets.
In his rookie season with Columbus, Mason made an immediate impact. He played a crucial role in leading the team to its first-ever playoff appearance in the 2008-2009 season. His exceptional performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's Rookie of the Year. That season, Mason recorded ten shutouts, leading the league, and posted a 2.29 goals-against average (GAA) with a .916 save percentage. His ability to remain calm under pressure and his quick reflexes were instrumental in his early success.
Despite a stellar start, Mason faced challenges in the following seasons. The Blue Jackets struggled as a team, and Mason's performance fluctuated. He experienced difficulties maintaining the high level of play from his rookie year, which led to criticism and scrutiny. However, Mason continued to work on his game, focusing on improving his consistency and technique.
In April 2013, Mason's career took a new turn when he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. The change of scenery provided him with a fresh start, and he quickly established himself as the Flyers' starting goaltender. Mason's tenure with Philadelphia was marked by several strong performances, including a memorable 2013-2014 season where he posted a 2.50 GAA and a .917 save percentage. His efforts helped the Flyers reach the playoffs, where they faced the New York Rangers in a hard-fought first-round series.
Mason's time with the Flyers was characterized by his ability to deliver solid performances, often keeping his team competitive in tight games. He became known for his work ethic and ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations. However, injuries and inconsistencies occasionally hampered his play, leading to challenges in maintaining a starting role.
In 2017, Mason signed with the Winnipeg Jets, but his stint with the team was short-lived. He played only 13 games for the Jets, struggling with injuries and limited opportunities. In June 2018, Mason was traded to the Montreal Canadiens, who subsequently bought out his contract, making him a free agent.
Following his release, Mason did not sign with another NHL team, and his professional playing career came to an end. Throughout his time in the league, Mason was known for his size, agility, and ability to make acrobatic saves. His career, marked by early success and later challenges, reflects the unpredictable nature of professional sports.
🏒