The Vancouver Canucks have avoided arbitration with forward Mason Raymond, signing the 24-year old to a two-year, $5.1 million contract prior to his hearing.
Canucks' general manager Mike Gillis met with Raymond and his agent J.P Barry over dinner on Sunday, however the deal was not finalized until 8:55 am on Monday, just five minutes prior to his hearing.
He is set to earn $2.5 million in the first year of the contract and $2.6 in the second year. He earned just $760,000 last season.
The Cochrane, Alberta native enjoyed a breakout season with the Canucks, setting career highs in goals with 25 and assists with 28.
In 203 career games, Raymon has 45 goals and 52 assists. He was originally selected in the second round, 51st overall by the Canucks in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
