Blue Jackets sign Mason, 19, to three-year deal

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Blue Jackets signed goaltender Steve Mason to a three-year entry-level contract.

The 19-year-old Mason posted a 45-13-4 record in 62 games with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights and was selected as the league's 2006-07 goaltender of the year. He was the Blue Jackets' second pick (69th overall) in the 2006 NHL entry draft.

Blue Jackets goaltender Pascal Leclaire was limited to 24 games last season because of knee and leg injuries. Fredrik Norrena stepped in, becoming the first Columbus goaltender to finish a season with a winning record (24-23-3).