The Winnipeg Jets have placed goaltender Steve Mason on injured reserve today. Mason, 29, has had a hard time adjusting to playing in Winnipeg. The diagnosis for the ‘upper-body injury’ is a concussion, and there is no set timetable for a return.
Winnipeg Jets Place Steve Mason on Injured Reserve
Mason was brought into Winnipeg to take over between the pipes and right the goalie situation. He has not been able to do that this season. Mason has posted a 2-4-1 record to go with his 3.45 goals-against-average and his .904 save percentage.
Those numbers are well off his career averages. Over the course of 471 games played Mason has a 2.69 goals-against-average and a .911 save percentage.
To say the least, this has been a disappointing season for Mason. A goalie who has been argued to be a true number one throughout his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers, he has yet to prove he can carry the load in Winnipeg.
While the performance, and now the injury, have made for a disappointing season for Mason, that’s not even the worst part for Winnipeg. The season is made even worse when you take into account the $4.1 million cap hit he is currently carrying.
The $4.1 million cap hit is comparable to other goalies like Cam Ward, Craig Anderson and Cam Talbot.
With Mason being out for a possibly extended period of time, this will put the weight of expectations on the shoulders of Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck, 24, has been absolutely stellar this season. He has posted a 12-2-2 record to go with his 2.33 goals-against-average and a .929 save percentage.
The Jets have also recalled goaltender Eric Comrie from their AHL-affiliate, the Manitba Moose. Comrie has posted an 8-4-1 record to go with his 2.30 goals-against-average and a .927 save percentage with the Moose this season.
Comrie played in one game for the Jets in 2016-17, winning his first NHL game.
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