Seems like Dallas would be the ideal place if he wanted a 1-year rehab type deal.
- PhillySportsGuy

That's probably out of the frying pan and into the fire. Yes, Reese or whatever. But the Flyers will have a MUCH better defense than Dallas the next few years (only getting better and better) and there's a comfort factor. They're probably better now. After 3 successful years with this team, if it were me, that's taking a real chance going elsewhere to rehab. Who knows what could happen. Dallas has been its own goalie graveyard of late.

Hockey people still don't particularly like Steve Mason because of "reputation"......he's coming off a down year too....I just can't see him getting this giant contract people are saying he would demand.

If he gets more than 2-3 years at $4 million, so basically his current contract, I'd be surprised. No GM is giving this goalie some long-term contract and at anything above his current wages. Which makes it all the stupider the Flyers are probably cutting ties to use a worse, more injury prone backup. There is the chance they signed Neuvy because they didn't want Mason exposed and will have a contract agreed to for post-expansion, but it feels like a long shot. Hakstol/Scoob just loves Neuvirth.
- Mononoke

Agreed. I feel like they could have dealt with the expansion rules a little differently than re-signing Neuvirth. I would have taken Mason to FA and seen what other teams were offering. I definitely think he's a great buy low candidate for several teams.

As long as the club stays away from Bishop I am good.

Minus the mental drama, that has Bryzgalov 2.0 written all over it. Injury history as well.

That's probably out of the frying pan and into the fire. Yes, Reese or whatever. But the Flyers will have a MUCH better defense than Dallas the next few years (only getting better and better) and there's a comfort factor. They're probably better now. After 3 successful years with this team, if it were me, that's taking a real chance going elsewhere to rehab. Who knows what could happen. Dallas has been its own goalie graveyard of late.
- Mononoke

In this scenario, Mason would be seen as the #1 guy in Dallas without any question. I don't think the Flyers have ever entered a season calling Mason the #1 guy. Seems like they always push the idea of a competition.

The only way I'd see him coming back is if he wants to sign a make-good deal. Flyers would get a bridge to the prospects and Mason would get an opportunity to rehab his value after a down season.

I just don't know why he'd come back here for that type of deal. The organization and coaching staff hasn't really ever fully embraced him as the starter, and the team in front of him is bad and likely going to break in a bunch of young Dmen next year.

Seems like Dallas would be the ideal place if he wanted a 1-year rehab type deal.
- PhillySportsGuy

I believe he already took a deal like that after getting traded here.

I think it's pretty simple. The believe the Flyers only want to allocate so much term and money into a veteran goalie because the younger prospects are close or ready.

Neuvrith coming off his deal was more likely to take the deal he took compared to Mason. Mason probably isn't tacking a pay cut and something short term.

That's my thinking

Seems like Dallas would be the ideal place if he wanted a 1-year rehab type deal.
- PhillySportsGuy

Might be a bit awkward at first but I think that would ultimately go fine.

Kinda what I think as well.

I don't think it's impossible that Mason comes back, but I think it unlikely.
- johndewar

Think it will depend on what happens with Neuvirth (and the rest of the NHL) With Neuvirth around I expect Hextall to drive a harder bargain on the contract negotiations with Mason. I'd still expect less than or equal to his current salary. It is a buyers market, and even though I like Mason (and think he's clearly better than Neuvirth) there are just going to be cheaper options available.

Personal opinion here: I think Hakstol likes Neuvirth better, but the way it appears he was always going to be the easier one to sign and expose in the expansion draft. I don't read into it much more than that. I dont think it would be smart to have resigned both goalies before the draft. If they protect Neuvirth than this opinion is completely wrong.


I truly believe a tandem of Mason/Stolarz would be their best shot at receiving the best goaltending possible for them next season.

Wow. Tebow homers on the first pitch he sees.

Also, if Dallas offers a 1 year deal or something, I can't see why he wouldn't take an extra year to be here, where there is a comfort factor. There are a lot of teams that could use a goalie, and it's a buyer's market by the looks of it, but it all just added up so well to re-signing Mason for a couple years for the inevitable bounce back, letting Stolarz be his backup, Sandstrom could come over to the AHL sooner than later.......it all made sense. Mason isn't an idiot: he sees all the young defensemen and knows how that could make a goalie look in the immediate future. He knows this team will be competitive too in making the playoffs. Dallas? Who knows. They're heading towards a bottom 5 finish without the prospect depth.

If we get through expansion exposing Neuvirth, it's not like he's not tradable for a 3rd or something in the event we do sign Mason. That contract isn't really an issue. But I remain dubious that's the plan.

I believe he already took a deal like that after getting traded here.

I think it's pretty simple. The believe the Flyers only want to allocate so much term and money into a veteran goalie because the younger prospects are close or ready.

Neuvrith coming off his deal was more likely to take the deal he took compared to Mason. Mason probably isn't tacking a pay cut and something short term.

That's my thinking
- J35Bacher

Not going to say you're wrong, I am just going to say I don't think you are right. I don't think that plays as much of a factor as you are suggesting. I certainly don't think it should. Any really long term deal Mason would sign would be much lower on the AAV that I don't think it would be a problem. I have also said it several times now, but I think a prospect will have to "steal" a spot from a veteran. They aren't letting goalies walk because they have some prospects coming.

The only guys getting these long term expensive deals in net are younger ones that have Vezina-level seasons in their contract year

I believe he already took a deal like that after getting traded here.

I think it's pretty simple. The believe the Flyers only want to allocate so much term and money into a veteran goalie because the younger prospects are close or ready.

Neuvrith coming off his deal was more likely to take the deal he took compared to Mason. Mason probably isn't tacking a pay cut and something short term.

That's my thinking
- J35Bacher

Yes, but Mason is better than Neuvirth. Going into next season with Neuvirth and a rookie goalie isn't a great plan if you want to make the playoffs IMHHO!!!

Might be a bit awkward at first but I think that would ultimately go fine.
- bmeltzer

This is cryptic

Mason has had a lot of time in Philadelphia where he has played more than '4 straight'.

One could argue he has been played too much, especially when obviously banged up. Hak does ride his goalies until they collapse.

Mason has been a damn good goaltender for the poop show defense in front of him for the majority of his tenure here. Good soldier.
- flyer_nutter

He's been adequate. That's it. He's not worth the money they're paying him, and nowhere near as good as the media makes him out to be.

A great goalie, or even "damn good" goalie, elevates his defense. If the team is not playing solid team defense Mason is lost.

Mason's slow starts every season since he's been here, puts them in a hole they have to dig out of. And the guy always has an excuse at the ready.

He'll go somewhere and be a backup on a contender. Or a starting goalie for a non playoff team. The guy is nothing special.

He's been adequate. That's it. He's not worth the money they're paying him, and nowhere near as good as the media makes him out to be.

A great goalie, or even "damn good" goalie, elevates his defense. If the team is not playing solid team defense Mason is lost.

Mason's slow starts every season since he's been here, puts them in a hole they have to dig out of. And the guy always has an excuse at the ready.

He'll go somewhere and be a backup on a contender. Or a starting goalie for a non playoff team. The guy is nothing special.
- LindsayCarson

Seems like an alt for Mike Milbury

Seems like an alt for Mike Milbury
- YuenglingJagr

"John Jaeckel." Now I know you're not an alt of mine because I don't read other HB blogs and barely know who that is.

Since jmatchett has stood me up for the second time

Has anyone been to the hockey hall of fame recently? About how long does it take to visit and I am assuming it is recommended?
- YuenglingJagr

Sorry, I had no idea what you were actually asking.

You can spend all day there if you want, but realistically, about 4-5 hours will be more than enough time to see everything. If you just want to see some of the more interesting exhibits, take a seat in the Forum dressing room, see all of the major awards (keep in mind, it's not the Presentation Cup), and play the interactive games, I'd say 3 hours. Add time for some of the more off-the-wall stuff (Team Australia jerseys were a featured exhibit when I went there in November). Also, since it's the Leafs' centennial, they put some stuff (like the Mark Howe and Bill Barber exhibits) away so they could fill out their TML room.

Greg Carey resigned! Future is bright boys!

Also, if Dallas offers a 1 year deal or something, I can't see why he wouldn't take an extra year to be here, where there is a comfort factor. There are a lot of teams that could use a goalie, and it's a buyer's market by the looks of it, but it all just added up so well to re-signing Mason for a couple years for the inevitable bounce back, letting Stolarz be his backup, Sandstrom could come over to the AHL sooner than later.......it all made sense. Mason isn't an idiot: he sees all the young defensemen and knows how that could make a goalie look in the immediate future. He knows this team will be competitive too in making the playoffs. Dallas? Who knows. They're heading towards a bottom 5 finish without the prospect depth.

If we get through expansion exposing Neuvirth, it's not like he's not tradable for a 3rd or something in the event we do sign Mason. That contract isn't really an issue. But I remain dubious that's the plan.
- Mononoke

From a Flyers fan perspective, I'm just worried that this team will enter next season expecting to compete for the playoffs with Neuvirth, another backup type goalie and Stolarz as their options. If the plan was to use next season as a rebuild, then that makes sense, but if the plan is to compete then they need something better.

I'm not going to criticize them until I see what they do over the summer, but I am a bit concerned about how much support the GM and coaching staff has given Neuvirth over the last couple seasons. It makes me think they're lining him up as either the starter or split-starter.

I agree with you.

I was just commenting this guy talks about how he is an elite goalie and he expects to be paid like one, but he can't even go four straight games.
- LindsayCarson

When did Mason ever refer to himself as an elite goalie?

And what "excuses at the ready" did he make aside from when he had a family emergency to deal with that, as Bill said, was very real and there was a reason for not disclosing it?

Not going to say you're wrong, I am just going to say I don't think you are right. I don't think that plays as much of a factor as you are suggesting. I certainly don't think it should. Any really long term deal Mason would sign would be much lower on the AAV that I don't think it would be a problem. I have also said it several times now, but I think a prospect will have to "steal" a spot from a veteran. They aren't letting goalies walk because they have some prospects coming.

The only guys getting these long term expensive deals in net are younger ones that have Vezina-level seasons in their contract year
- YuenglingJagr

But we are the only people saying they aren't ready. Maybe the Flyers feel Stolarz is ready. Right now with 2 goalies under contract there isn't a spot. But next season there will be

He's been adequate. That's it. He's not worth the money they're paying him, and nowhere near as good as the media makes him out to be.

A great goalie, or even "damn good" goalie, elevates his defense. If the team is not playing solid team defense Mason is lost.

Mason's slow starts every season since he's been here, puts them in a hole they have to dig out of. And the guy always has an excuse at the ready.

He'll go somewhere and be a backup on a contender. Or a starting goalie for a non playoff team. The guy is nothing special.
- LindsayCarson

Huh?

We should talk about re-signing MDZ to a cheap 1 year deal, if he's open to it, speaking of rehabbing. And I cannot imagine for the life of me anyone will sign him to more. The upside is just too large, now that he seems to be finding his game again, and he had 2 quality years here while rehabbing before. He provides another veteran presence, and if he keeps playing so well, that's an asset that can be maximized next deadline and another prospect called up. Or he helps the team through the year and moves on. It's just the definition of no risk, high reward.

Just think:

Provorov-Gudas
MDZ-Ghost
Morin-Sanheim......or whatever combo. But that would require Hakstol to not play MacDonald, and he's his new favorite and we can look forward to 3 more years of Provorov-MacDonald, so all this is probably empty talk

Yes, but Mason is better than Neuvirth. Going into next season with Neuvirth and a rookie goalie isn't a great plan if you want to make the playoffs IMHHO!!!
- PhillySportsGuy

Maybe he is.

Are rookies not allowed to play well? If the Flyers play better team defense maybe a rookie goalie isn't being relied on to steal so many games.

We should talk about re-signing MDZ to a cheap 1 year deal, if he's open to it, speaking of rehabbing. And I cannot imagine for the life of me anyone will sign him to more. The upside is just too large, now that he seems to be finding his game again, and he had 2 quality years here while rehabbing before. He provides another veteran presence, and if he keeps playing so well, that's an asset that can be maximized next deadline and another prospect called up. Or he helps the team through the year and moves on. It's just the definition of no risk, high reward.

Just think:

Provorov-Gudas
MDZ-Ghost
Morin-Sanheim......or whatever combo. But that would require Hakstol to not play MacDonald, and he's his new favorite and we can look forward to 3 more years of Provorov-MacDonald.
- Mononoke

I'm gonna go with no. I know he had a great game last night, but let's not be Eagles fans and be swayed between "SUPER BOWL" after a win and "TEAR IT UP" after a loss.

I agree Weal reminds me of Sheary of last year a little, small sample size but he does. The speed is so obvious. Finally we have some players who push a D back with their speed.