Mathieu Garon Signs Two-Year Deal With Columbus

[The Crow]

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Mathieu Garon to a two-year contract, club General Manager Scott Howson announced tonight.

Garon, 30, has compiled a 94-83-13 record with a 2.84 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and 14 shutouts in 204 career NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins. He split last season between Edmonton (6-8-0, 3.17 GAA, .895 SV% in 15 games) and Pittsburgh (2-1-0, 2.91 GAA, .894 SV% in four games), where he was a member of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup championship team.

"One of our priorities this off-season was to sign an experienced goaltender to team with Steve Mason and by adding Mathieu Garon we have done that," said Howson. "Mathieu has been a successful goaltender in this league and we think he will be an important addition to our organization."

The Chandler, Quebec native was the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Rookie of the Year with Victoriaville in 1995-96 and the Canadiens selected him with their second pick, 44th overall, in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. Two years later, he was a QMJHL First Team All-Star, Canadian Major Junior First Team All-Star and Goaltender of the Year. He made his NHL debut with Montreal during the 2000-01 season and spent four years in the Canadiens organization before joining the Kings via trade in 2004.

In 2005-06, he went 31-26-3 with a 3.22 goals-against average, .894 save percentage and four shutouts in 63 games with the Kings, setting career highs for wins and games played. The following year, he missed 21 games due to injury but posted a 13-10-6 mark with a 2.66 goals-against average, .907 save percentage and two shutouts in 32 outings. Garon joined the Oilers prior to the 2007-08 season and compiled a 26-18-1 mark, .2.66 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and four shutouts in 47 games that year.

[ShelleyFan45]

I like it. Decent backup that will allow Mason to get some rest from time to time. Garon is also exceptional in shootouts.

[chilly666]

hope he wasnt told he could be the #1 cause he cant handle it. mason will be king there for years to come.

[AVALANCHE FAN]

This should take some of the weight off Masons shoulders knowing if he needs to take a break the team is in capable hands.