"Heading into Blue Jackets training camp, the position battle with the least intrigue is starting goaltender. Jackets management, coaching staff and fans have to hope it remains that way.

Steve Mason entered and exited last season as the franchise's top goalie. But there were long, sometimes tumultuous stretches in between when it hardly appeared the case.

The 2009 NHL Rookie of the Year struggled through a trying second season, and the Jackets followed his lead to a 14th-place finish in the 15-team Western Conference.

"Goaltending is your lifeblood," first-year coach Scott Arniel said. "Good goaltending gives you a chance to make the playoffs. I don't think Steve got off to the start he hoped for, and he had to work very hard to get back his game in the final third of the season."

One of the few players to meet expectations last season was veteran backup Mathieu Garon, whose steady play not only contributed 12 wins but also bought Mason some time to work through his problems in practice.

Garon, 32, probably will start 20 to 25 games this season, general manager Scott Howson said.

"Anytime your backup is better than .500 on a team below .500, he's had a very good year," Howson said. "If Steve were to get hurt, we're confident Mathieu could carry the ball for a month."

But the organization clearly wants to see the 22-year-old Mason in line for comeback player of the year. On a club that has made only one meaningful offseason roster move - the acquisition of veteran forward Ethan Moreau - the return of Mason's top form is pivotal to the Jackets' success.

All indications are that Mason, who could not be reached for comment, is having a strong summer on the conditioning front. Goaltenders coach Dave Rook said his longtime student has trimmed down and will arrive at camp in the best shape of his three-year pro career."