Unfortunately for Mason Raymond, the dream homecoming has ended in tears.
After hitting the free market in July 2014 following a successful one-year term with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 30-year-old Cochrane native was looking for a home, and the Calgary Flames stepped forward, signing him to a three-year $9.5 million deal.
Last Wednesday, Raymond was put on waivers with the intention of being bought out by the Flames’ organization. Raymond’s contract was picked up sooner than both parties expected, when the Anaheim Ducks swooped in to sign the Cochranite to a one-year $675,000 deal on Monday evening. It was the club’s first free agency signing of the year.
A veteran of 542 NHL games, Raymond was constantly in and out of former Flames head coach Bob Hartley’s lineup only playing 29 games during the 2015/16 season before being sent down to the Stockton Heat – Calgary’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.
Raymond’s offensive production peaked in 2009/10 when he bagged 25 goals and added 29 assists in a full 82 game season.
Last season, he only managed to find the net four times, picking up one assist and finishing at a minus-three rating.
Calgary’s loss is Anaheim’s gain, with Raymond bringing his trademark speed to the Ducks’ offence, which appeared toothless during last year’s playoffs.
