Mason returns to Predators

Jul 2, 2012 - 12:06 AM Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - The Nashville Predators signed goaltender Chris Mason on Sunday.

No terms were disclosed, but multiple reports state the contract is worth $1.25 million plus bonuses for one year.

"Today, we signed our backup goalie, a name familiar to all of you -- Chris Mason," said Predators general manager David Poile during a late afternoon press conference. "Obviously, we're very familiar and comfortable with him. in this scenario with Pekka signed long term, we've got the perfect person, the perfect character. Chris is all about team, it always comes first, and his work ethic is second-to-none."

Mason went 8-7-1 with a 2.59 goals-against average, .898 save percentage and two shutouts in 20 games last season for the Winnipeg Jets as a backup to Ondrej Pavelec.

A former fifth-round pick of the Devils in 1995, Mason played for the Preds for parts of six seasons from 1998-2008.

The 36-year-old Alberta native has gone 136-106-30 with one tie in 306 games (268 starts) for Nashville, St. Louis and Atlanta/Winnipeg.