"Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson signed yet another of the franchise's "foundation" players to a contract extension yesterday, agreeing with goaltender Steve Mason on a two-year extension that will keep him in the fold through the 2012-13 season.

In the process, Howson made a strong statement - that the Blue Jackets believe Mason's record-setting, trophy-winning rookie season was more indicative of his career trajectory than the disappointing sophomore campaign he endured in 2009-10.

"We have faith in the person, the player, the pedigree," Howson said. "The talent and ability he's shown to this point in his career suggests that what he did his rookie year is closer to what you'd expect going forward."

Mason will play this season in the final year of his entry-level contract, earning $905,000. He'll then make $2.6million in 2011-12 and $3.2million in 2012-13, with two years of restricted free agency to go when the deal expires.

"I'll be the first to admit (last season) didn't go the way I wanted," Mason told The Dispatch yesterday. "But the organization has shown the kind of faith in me that any player would hope for from an organization.

"It's great to get this contract out of the way, but I have to keep taking steps forward. I want to be the best in the league. Maybe in a few years when this is up, we can hammer out a really long-term deal. I love this city, and I love the guys on this team."

Talks between Howson and Mason's agent, Anton Thun, began in early August but were prodded along in early September when Montreal set the market with a similar player. The Canadiens signed restricted free agent goaltender Carey Price to a two-year, $2.75million contract."