Report: More questions than answers for Mason and Flyers

When Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Steve Mason met with general manager Ron Hextall at the conclusion of the Flyers’ 2016-17 campaign, the 29 year-old goaltender’s only request was that the team not string him along with regards to their plans in net for 2017-18. Five weeks later and it’s still not clear what the Flyers plans are for Mason.

Will the Flyers walk away from Mason this summer or elect to bring him back for another spin? Mason is just as stumped as you or I, saying at the time, "They have to figure some things out. Whatever those things are, I'm not aware of." Talk about not knowing where you stand…

So, what’s the likelihood of Mason getting a contract extension in Philly? Probably not great if you consider the intrigue below him on the team’s depth chart. Backup Michal Neuvirth is signed through next season at a cap hit of $2.5 million. Behind him are two promising goaltenders in Anthony Stolarz and Alex Lyon. Might Hextall trust Neuvirth in goal with such little experience in the wings? Then there’s to added complexity of this summer’s NHL Expansion Draft. Vegas Golden Knights general manager is very familiar with Neuvirth, having drafted him during his tenure with the Washington Capitals, and could elect to bring the goaltender with him to the Nevada desert should the Flyers leave him exposed.

On the flip side, Mason could be re-signed to a reasonable contract and provide the Flyers with some stability moving forward. Mason himself acknowledged that money isn’t the only factor motivating him, saying "I'm not trying to rob the bank. I'm looking for a fair contract. Coming off a three-year contract, I think for the most part I was a pretty solid investment for them. . . .”

Hard to argue against that. But, it’s even harder to get a read on Ron Hextall. Only time will tell what the future ultimately holds for Mason and the Flyers.