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Vancouver Canucks Re-Sign Mason Raymond

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Vancouver Canucks Re-Sign Mason Raymond
The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have re-signed left-winger Mason Raymond to a two-year deal worth $5.1 million. Raymond is set to earn $2.5 million the first year and $2.6 the second. The signing avoids arbitration with the 24 year-old restricted free agent (RFA).
Mason Raymond
Raymond began his professional career with the Junior ‘A’ Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). He spent two years dominating in the AJHL and was named most valuable player in his second season.
Raymond’s strong play earned him a scholarship to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He preformed well in his two years at the university, being named to the all-rookie team in his first season, and finished second in league scoring in his second season. For his efforts, he was awarded the Mike Seiler trophy as Minnesota’s most valuable player.
Mason was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks 51st overall in the second round of the 2005 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft. He had a strong training camp and joined the Canucks for the 2007-08 season. He split 2007-08 between Vancouver and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Manitoba Moose. The following season, Raymond joined the Canucks full-time, earning 11 goals and 23 points in 72 games. Last season with the Canucks, he recorded 25 goals and 28 assists for a total of 53 points.
Canucks Perspective
After scoring 25 goals last season, Raymond was an important piece for the Canucks going forward. He is a young player and is able to play on the second or third line and contribute offensively. 
Raymond is likely to make the move to the second line for the duration of next season. With Pavol Demitra gone, the Canucks needed a left-winger that was able to step-up and fill the role on one of the clubs scoring lines. With Raymond’s break-out season in 2009-10, the Canucks were able to find the fit inside the organization. Raymond should join Ryan Kesler and Mikael Samuelsson on the team’s second scoring unit, elevating his ice time and hopefully for the Canucks, his point output.
Along with his ability to put the puck in the net, Raymond’s speed makes him an integral part of the Vancouver penalty kill. Having decided not to re-sign defensive specialist Ryan Johnson, Raymond can expect to be placed in the first or second unit for the majority of the season. In addition, his promotion to the second line could give him the opportunity to play on the team’s power play.
The Raymond signing completes the Canucks offence, and locks up their last important RFA. General Manager Mike Gillis finds himself with a full line-up that includes a forward core and that remains more-or-less the same as last season.
Nevertheless, the signing puts the Canucks nearly $2.5 million over the cap, meaning Gillis is likely to demote any combination of Aaron Rome, Andrew Alberts, or Shane O’Brien, to the Manitoba Moose for puck drop in October.
Raymond’s Perspective
With an annual salary of $2.5 million, Raymond must be very satisfied with his recent contract negotiations. Last season, he only made $760,000, and the raise indicates how important he now is to the club.
With the prospect of playing on the second line, as well as both special teams, it must have been very appealing to the youngster. At 24 years-old, Raymond will be playing far more than most left-wingers his age. In addition, with the moves the Canucks have made up front and on the back end, they are looking like legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.  
The Alberta native seems to be growing every season with the franchise and next year should be no different. With elevated ice time and more responsibility, expect Raymond to put up some impressive totals, likely topping his career highs set last season.    

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