The Vancouver Canucks avoided impending arbitration with Mason Raymond (forward) by doing what many thought should have never reached this plateau and signed him to a two-year, $5.1 million contract.

Raymond set career highs with 25 goals and 53 points last season when he earned $760,000. He filed for arbitration and was on his way to a hearing in Toronto on Monday when the new deal was worked out.

Raymond will receive $2.5 million next season and $2.6 million in 2011-12.

Raymond, originally picked in the second round by the Canucks in 2005, has 45 goals and 97 points in 203 career NHL games.

The deal puts the Canucks more than $2.6 million over this year s $59.4 million salary cap.
I think I can speak for many hockey fans by saying that this is a great move for the Canucks. All one has to do is watch him play and you know he enjoy's playing the game, especially for the fans and the love of the game.
Nice signing.