NHL free agency: Top 25 players available

May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) looks on during a time-out against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Steve Mason

Steve Mason is, as Forrest Gump said, like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. He has the potential to carry a team for extended periods of time. Mason proved this during the 2015-16 season, playing a huge part in the Philadelphia Flyers making the postseason. Of course, once they made it, he showed his ugly side, losing his three playoff starts against the Washington Capitals.

Last season, Mason had a .908 save percentage, his lowest since the 2010-11 season. But he has enough of a track record that in a weak free agency class, you’re not going to find too much better than him. Ryan Miller seems committed to playing somewhere near California. Chad Johnson is a quality backup, but nothing else. And unlike Johnson, Mason at least has that potential to be something more. Of course, he also has the potential to have a nuclear meltdown after allowing an easy goal.

Best fits: The best fit for Mason is probably with the Winnipeg Jets. They need a proven goaltender to backup Connor Hellebuyck. He hasn’t exactly done much to earn the starting job either. So Mason could come in and challenge Hellebuyck for the job. Even if he loses, he’d be a very solid backup. Depending on how the Pittsburgh Penguins feel about going into next season with two young goalies, Mason could be a fit as their backup. They certainly have the cap space to splurge on a backup.

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