The Canucks managed to avoid arbitration with their top restricted free agent Mason Raymond for $2.55-million for two years – a deal far lower than the $3.6-million Raymond was seeking through arbitration. Raymond posted career highs across the board last season with 25 goals and 28 assists in all 82 games and he will only get better.
Raymond played much of last season on the second and third line thanks to plenty of line shuffling and injuries which speaks a lot for his 53 point effort. In 2009-10, Raymond expects to be the everyday second line LW alongside Ryan Kesler, who enjoyed a 75-point breakout season.
A career slow-starter, Raymond could come at a bargain to you if you are looking for help on the wing.
