The Atlanta Thrashers have signed unrestricted free agent goaltender Chris Mason to a multi-year contract. The deal follows the recent acquisition of Chicago Blackhawks forward Dustin Byfuglien but is the first UFA signing for new General Manager Rick Dudley. 

The move solidifies a position the team needed to enhance since former first-round pick Kari Lehtonen had been moved at the trade deadline last season.

Dudley released a statement to the media regarding the Mason pick-up. “Chris has proven himself as an elite-level goaltender and we have the utmost confidence in his capabilities. We are pleased to add him to our organization are excited to follow his lead into the playoffs.”

Mason, 34, posted a 30-22-8 record with two shutouts, a 2.53 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage in 61 games with the St. Louis Blues last season, while ranking 13th in the league in wins and goals-against average. The 6-0, 200-pound goaltender earned five-straight victories from Feb. 9 to March 4, posting one shutout, a 1.74 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage during that stretch.

The Red Deer, Alberta, native has appeared in 253 career NHL games with Nashville and St. Louis, earning a 115-86-27 record with 20 shutouts, a 2.54 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.

Mason has posted a 1-8 record with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage in nine career Stanley Cup Playoff games. He has also represented Canada at the World Championships in 2009 and 2010.

Mason played in 146 career American Hockey Leagues from 1997 to 2004, registering a 56-58-20 record with three shutouts, a 2.79 goals-against average anda .914 save percentage with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Milwaukee Admirals andSan Antonio Rampage. He earned a 52-47-19 record with eight shutouts, a 2.68 goals-against average anda .910 save percentage in 124 career games withMilwaukee of the now-defunct IHL from 1998 to 2001. Mason appeared in 20 games with Valerengen IF Oslo in Norway during the 2004-05 season.

Prior to his professional career, Mason appeared in 158 Western Hockey League games with Victoria and Prince George from 1993 to 1997, posting a 44-95-6 record with four shutouts, a 4.34 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.

Mason was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round, 122nd overall, of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

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